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Distributed Feb.
15, 2007
NR # 20070215-02
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Rebecca Wallace
(608) 231-9275
E-mail: rwallace@fs.fed.us
Website: www.fpl.fs.fed.us
Proper deck installation a must for
safety
MADISON, Wis.— Ah, the backyard deck. Home of neighborhood
barbecues, family gatherings and relaxing afternoons with a good book. As
spring approaches, many people dream of adding an outdoor living space to
their homes. And while much attention is paid to the aesthetics of such a
project, a more important—and potentially life-saving—area of
focus is the design and construction of the deck.
Why? Because as much as decks provide a locale for good summer fun, they
can also be the site of potential disaster when not installed correctly.
“Unfortunately, many people have lost their lives and many more injured
in deck collapses due to incorrect installation or inadequate maintainence,” says
Dr. Robert Falk, research engineer at the US Forest Service Forest Products
Laboratory (FPL).
Falk has been involved in the investigation of numerous deck collapses over
the past decade and through his research has helped determine proper construction
techniques.
For homeowners planning to build a deck, Falk offers the following recommendations
for building a structure that will last:
- Good connections are key— Properly connecting
joists to beams, beams to posts and decks to houses is a critical component
to deck construction. Use hot-dipped galvanized or stainless steel hardware
for long-term performance.
- Carefully plan the connection to the house— This
is the area where many catastrophic deck failures occur. Properly Attaching
the deck to the house requires that the deck is firmly fastened to the house
framing. However, this opens the protective envelope of the siding, potentially
allowing moisture penetration which can lead to decay and insect infestation.
To deter water damage, caulk pilot holes in the house before installing
fasteners, add spacers between the two structures to allow for drying, and
extend metal flashing under the siding above the deck and over the siding
below the deck. And proper fasteners are a must. “Nails are not enough
here,” says Falk. “Lag screws or through-bolts must be used
for a secure connection.”
- Use high-quality fastneners— Choose deck fastners
with good holding capacity and resistance to corrosion. Inadequate or improperly
installed fasteners can cause connections to loosen and can weaken the surrounding
wood if they corrode. Although they are costly, stainless steel fasteners
have the longest lifespan however, hot-dipped galvanized-steel fastners
are also a good choice. When using galvanized fastners, be sure to choose
those with the thickest protective coating (hot-dipped are usually the thickest)
and avoid electroplated nails as they are not as durable.
- Choose deformed-shank nails or screws for deck boards— Deck
screws are widely available and are a good choice for securing the deck
board to the framing.If you choose to use nails, avoid
smooth-shank nails as they will loose their withdrawl resistance after years
of wetting and drying cycles, and can eventually pop up and loosen connections.
, Spiral-groove or ring-shank nails are a better choice.
- Keep decay at bay— You can increase the decay
resistance of your deck if youtreat any drilled holes with
a wood preservative or water-repellant preservative. This will provide added
protection from decay in areas where water can collect.
According to Falk, following the proper installation guidelines will give
you the best chance of safely enjoying your deck for years to come. "Continued
maintenance is still important to prolong the life of your deck, but if you
begin with solid construction using the proper connections, you've gotten
off to the best start possible."
Robert Falk is co-author of Wood Decks: Materials, Construction, and
Finishing, published by the Forest Products Society. For more information
on proper deck installation, visit our website at www.fpl.fs.fed.us.
The following articles provide more detailed information:
http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/pdf1997/falk97d.pdf
http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/pdf1997/falk97c.pdf
The US Forest Service Forest Products Laboratory was established in 1910
in Madison , Wis. , with the mission to conserve and extend the country’s
wood resources. Today, FPL’s research scientists work with academic
and industrial researchers and other government agencies in exploring ways
to promote healthy forests and clean water and improve papermaking and recycling
processes. Through FPL’s Advanced Housing Research Center , researchers
also work to improve homebuilding technologies and materials. Information
is available at FPL’s Web site: www.fpl.fs.fed.us.
# # #
For photos or additional information, contact:
Gordie Blum
Director of Communications
Forest Products Laboratory
gblum@fs.fed.us
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