MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. — A month-long free deck inspection program in Montgomery County revealed a majority of the 140 structures checked by inspectors had code or safety concerns.
"They trusted a contractor, or they trusted a friend of a friend and thought it was done correctly," said Montgomery County inspector Jeremy Shupp.
Shupp noted some residents bought homes without knowing who a previous owner may have hired to construct a deck, and whether the builders obtained required permits and inspections.
One glaring sign of trouble are decks that are merely nailed into the side of a home, bolted improperly, or attached to a structurally weak point in the house such as a cantilever. Other problems can include loose railings and weather-weakened wood.
Deck collapses are of particular concern as warmer weather, graduations and summer holidays bring large outdoor gatherings onto decks.
A five-year national study found at least 33,000 people were injured in deck collapses in the U.S. during the study period.
May is national Building Safety month. Authorities in Montgomery County used the occasion to offer the free inspections. Montgomery County residents who want to obtain and inspection can do so before the end of May by dialing 311.
Building permits and inspections are required for all new deck construction in Montgomery County.
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