NADRA Provides Deck Safety Resources for Consumers and Pros

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NADRA Provides Deck Safety Resources for consumers and pros

At the start of summer, the North American Decking and Railing Association reminds homeowners to Check Your Deck® 

Quakertown, PA  (June 21st, 2017) –  The United States is home to roughly 40 million residential decks, and of those it’s estimated that half are more 25 years old. In the wake of several serious deck collapses, one in Montana and another in Virginia, The North American Decking and Railing Association (NADRA) reminds consumers to Check Your Deck ®  using resources such as the 10-Point Consumer Checklist.  NADRA also offers industry professionals and inspectors a breadth of resources, including a comprehensive toolkit, marketing materials, and a deck evaluation form. “It’s crucial for homeowners to verify the integrity of their deck to ensure user safety as well as help extend the deck’s life-span, improve appearance, and increase livability,” says Michael Beaudry, executive vice president of NADRA. “We’re proud to offer an array of tools to help consumers check their decks as well as connect with building professionals with the know-how to identify and remedy potential problems.”

Consumers can visit www.NADRA.org to take advantage of free resources to Check Your Deck ®, including:

• 10-Point Checklist: Homeowners can download the 10-Point Deck Safety Consumer Checklist , a step-by-step guide to visually inspecting the deck for safety concerns such as corroding fasteners, decaying materials, loose railings, inadequate lighting, and more. Though not a replacement for a professional deck inspection, the checklist is a helpful tool to assist homeowners.
• Find an Inspector: NADRA and the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) offer building professionals the NADRA Deck Inspection Certification Course, which certifies the recipient has undergone training specific to conducting proper, thorough deck inspections. Consumers can search for a certified inspector in their area by browsing the Inspectors Directory at www.NADRA.org.
• Find a Builder: NADRA deck builders adhere to a strict code of ethics and are required to submit proof of licensing and insurance as required by their state. Homeowners can search for qualified deck builders at www.NADRA.org.

Learn More: Consumers can watch videos and read more about deck safety on NADRA’s consumer Deck Safety page and on the NADRA blog.

“We encourage homeowners to reach out to ASHI-certified home inspectors and NADRA-member deck builders to conduct an inspection of their older deck,” says Beaudry. “NADRA members follow a code of ethics and comply with state licensing and insurance requirements, providing peace of mind.”

Professionals can also visit www.NADRA.org to take advantage of resources to help educate consumers on better safety practices or to perform deck evaluations:

• Deck Evaluation Form: A step-by-step guide to evaluating the integrity of the deck structure, stairs, surface, and railings. A downloadable form and online form (BETA) are available to members and non-members.
• Certified inspector program: NADRA has partnered with the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) to create the NADRA Deck Inspection Certification Course, an ASHI-approved continuing education program. Having certification can not only improve a contractor’s skill-set, but make them more marketable to consumers. (Next class is happening in Atlanta, GA – check it out here)
• Deck Safety Ambassadors: Help spread the word about deck safety by becoming a Deck Safety Ambassador. Sponsors gain access to an exclusive Ambassador logo and marketing benefits to further promote their businesses.
• Homeowner resources: Builders can download the 10-Point Deck Safety Consumer Checklist to pass along to customers. Though not a replacement for a professional deck inspection, the checklist can assist homeowners and provide reference during other times of the year.

“Communicating safe decking standards remains a top priority for NADRA,” Beaudry says. “We continue to focus our efforts on educating both pros and consumers on proper deck installation practices as well as on consistent deck inspections. At the same time, we know that deck safety offers professionals in the industry a great opportunity to market their business, so we’ve provided all of the tools to help them do just that.”

About NADRA
The North American Decking and Railing Association is the voice of the decking industry, representing the interests of deck builders, inspectors, and manufacturers alike. NADRA’s mission is to provide a unified source for the professional development, promotion, growth, and sustenance of the deck and railing building industry in North America so that members can exceed the expectations of their customers. www.NADRA.org

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