Скачать или смотреть Deck Safety Awareness Month

Decks are a concern this time of year because so many collapse. One fell in Lithonia just last weekend injuring nine people.

Experts tell us the number one failure in decks is in the connection to the home.

“The sad thing for guys like us, in the industry, is that this is preventable,” said John Lea.

He is the owner of DeckSouth, Inc. and a member of the North American Deck and Railing Association, also known as NADRA.

The organization has declared May National Deck Safety month to raise awareness about it.

“So we don't need to turn a blind eye to the fact that decks need to not only be built properly moving forward but the existing decks that are out there need to be inspected,” said Lea.

He told us the codes for decks have changed drastically throughout the years in Georgia. The state updated it January 1, 2014.

“For homeowners that have decks built prior to January 1, 2014. They're grandfathered in meaning they don't have to make these changes. But they need to be aware that,” Lea said.

Nails were used to hold up the deck when the home collapsed last weekend in Lithonia. Back when the deck was originally built, Lea said it was fine, but the rules for building decks has changed. He showed CBS46 just what an up to code deck looks like.

“This beam is spanning through post and on the other side post to post,” said the contractor.

The deck was similar to the one that fell in Lithonia except it wasn't being supported by the house. It was built like a table to where it could support itself.

Experts say if you can feel the deck moving below as you walk across or the handle rail moves when you grab it these are all signs of a worn deck.

“We want everyone to have fun but most importantly we want the environment to be safe,” said Lea.