09/25/2026
⚠️ A Quick Reminder About Deck Safety
I’ve been called out several times this year to evaluate residential decks that were failing, improperly constructed, or incorrectly attached to the house. In many cases, the problems weren’t obvious to the homeowner until movement, deterioration, or other warning signs started to appear.
Deck failures can occur due to undersized footings, improper ledger attachments, inadequate connections, deterioration, or simply construction that does not provide a complete load path.
The linked video for a quick, a good reminder of why proper deck design and construction matter:
If you have an older deck, are purchasing a home with an existing deck, or notice excessive movement, sagging, loose connections, deteriorated wood, or cracking around the supports, it may be worth having the structure evaluated. Also, if building new or replacing, make sure your Contractor is Licensed in your state and has an understanding of the Prescriptive Deck Code from the American Wood Council!
Seth Structural Engineering
Structural Engineering Services | Erie, PA & Surrounding Areas