Podcast Episode: What Accounts for 90% of Deck Collapses? The Hidden Structural Risk

🎙️ Podcast Episode: What Accounts for 90% of Deck Collapses? The Hidden Structural Risk 🏗️ The Critical Structural Connection The ledger board is the horizontal structural member that attaches the deck to the building. It carries a major portion of the deck’s load and transfers that weight into the main structure. 🔩 Supports deck loads from people, furniture, and structural components 🏠 Anchors the deck to the building and prevents separation ⚖️ Distributes structural weight evenly across the framing system 🧱 Prevents outward movement that can lead to structural failure If this connection deteriorates, the deck can pull away from the house and collapse. ⚠️ Why Ledger Board Failures Happen Most failures develop slowly due to moisture damage or poor installation practices. 💧 Water intrusion and rot occur when flashing is missing or installed incorrectly. 🔧 Improper fasteners such as nails instead of structural bolts weaken the connection. 🛡️ Lack of flashing protection allows water to penetrate behind the ledger board. ⏳ Long-term deterioration reduces the holding power of bolts and structural framing. 🚨 Warning Signs a Deck May Be Unsafe Many decks show visible signs before a collapse occurs. ⚠️ Deck pulling away from the house ⚠️ Soft or spongy areas near the wall connection ⚠️ Rusted or loose structural bolts ⚠️ Visible gaps between the deck and the building ⚠️ Cracked joists or sagging framing 🛠️ How Most Deck Collapses Can Be Prevented The majority of deck failures are avoidable with routine inspections and proper structural maintenance. 🔎 Schedule inspections every 1–2 years 💧 Ensure flashing protects the ledger connection 🔩 Use structural bolts instead of nails 🪵 Repair rot or moisture damage immediately 🌧️ Maintain proper drainage and waterproofing 👉 Read more: https://raincitydecks.ca/blog/what-ac... 🔗 Connect with RainCity Decks: 🌎 Website: https://raincitydecks.ca/ 📘 Facebook:   / raincitydecks   📩 Get a Quote: https://raincitydecks.ca/contact-us/ #WhatAccountsFor90OfDeckCollapses #DeckCollapseCauses #LedgerBoardFailure #DeckSafetyInspection