From June 21 to June 28, the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) will offer free deck inspections to homeowners in the Chicago area to evaluate the structural safety of their decks this summer and to educate them about the importance of building and maintaining a safe, strong deck. Deck Inspection Week is a collaboration between ASHI and structural safety expert Simpson Strong-Tie.
Since 2003, there have been thousands of reported injuries and at least 20 deaths as the result of deck collapses. More than half of all decks in the U.S. are in need of repair or replacement; millions are built incorrectly, have not been properly maintained or are beyond their lifespan of approximately 10-15 years. There have been at least 14 deck collapses in the greater Chicago metro area during the last 10 years, killing at least 13 people and injuring more than 100.
Deck collapses are preventable. Homeowners should check their deck each spring/early summer for key warning signs that indicate a needed repair or, in some cases, complete replacement. Warning signs include loose connections (for example, a wobbly railing), missing connections (for example, the deck is just nailed to the side of the house), corrosion, rot and large cracks. The two critical areas in a deck collapse are the deck's connection to the house and the railings.
To receive a free inspection homeowners must be willing to sign an inspector agreement and meet ASHI's deck requirements. A limited number of free inspections are available on a first-come, first-served basis between June 21 and June 28. Once the initial number of spots is filled, homeowners will be placed on a waiting list. Anyone who requests a deck inspection will receive a free Deck Safety Guide and can enter to win one of several deck-related prizes.
Homeowners interested in participating can sign up between May 20th and June 17th by visiting the program's Deck Safety Facebook page at www.facebook.com/decksafety .
Dates: Sign up period: May 20th through June 17th Deck Inspection Week: Tuesday, June 21st through Tuesday, June 28th
Locations: Chicago and surrounding cities within 30-mile radius.
About Simpson Strong Tie For more than 50 years, Simpson Strong-Tie has focused on creating structural products that help people build safer and stronger homes and buildings. A leader in structural systems research and technology, Simpson Strong-Tie is one of the world's largest suppliers of structural building products. The company manufactures metal connectors, such as joist hangers, and other hardware used to secure the structural frame of homes and decks. For more information, visit the Simpson Strong-Tie Web site at www.strongtie.com or their consumer site at www.safestronghome.com.
About the American Society of Home Inspectors Founded in 1976 and with more than 5,000 members, ASHI is the oldest and most widely recognized non-profit, professional organization of home inspectors in North America. Its Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics is the industry standard. ASHI's "Find an Inspector" tool allows homeowners to locate an inspector in their area. Always check with your local inspector for a complete list of services provided. For more information, visit the Northern Illinois ASHI or the Great Lakes chapter online.
Since 2003, there have been thousands of reported injuries and at least 20 deaths as the result of deck collapses. More than half of all decks in the U.S. are in need of repair or replacement; millions are built incorrectly, have not been properly maintained or are beyond their lifespan of approximately 10-15 years. There have been at least 14 deck collapses in the greater Chicago metro area during the last 10 years, killing at least 13 people and injuring more than 100.
To receive a free inspection homeowners must be willing to sign an inspector agreement and meet ASHI's deck requirements. A limited number of free inspections are available on a first-come, first-served basis between June 21 and June 28. Once the initial number of spots is filled, homeowners will be placed on a waiting list. Anyone who requests a deck inspection will receive a free Deck Safety Guide and can enter to win one of several deck-related prizes.
Homeowners interested in participating can sign up between May 20th and June 17th by visiting the program's Deck Safety Facebook page at www.facebook.com/decksafety .
Dates: Sign up period: May 20th through June 17th Deck Inspection Week: Tuesday, June 21st through Tuesday, June 28th
Locations: Chicago and surrounding cities within 30-mile radius.
About Simpson Strong Tie For more than 50 years, Simpson Strong-Tie has focused on creating structural products that help people build safer and stronger homes and buildings. A leader in structural systems research and technology, Simpson Strong-Tie is one of the world's largest suppliers of structural building products. The company manufactures metal connectors, such as joist hangers, and other hardware used to secure the structural frame of homes and decks. For more information, visit the Simpson Strong-Tie Web site at www.strongtie.com or their consumer site at www.safestronghome.com.
About the American Society of Home Inspectors Founded in 1976 and with more than 5,000 members, ASHI is the oldest and most widely recognized non-profit, professional organization of home inspectors in North America. Its Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics is the industry standard. ASHI's "Find an Inspector" tool allows homeowners to locate an inspector in their area. Always check with your local inspector for a complete list of services provided. For more information, visit the Northern Illinois ASHI or the Great Lakes chapter online.
