OAKLAND, Calif. – May 13, 2020 – Feeney, Inc., a leading manufacturer of high quality stainless steel and aluminum railing systems, has teamed up with NADRA (North American Deck and Railing Association) to promote deck safety during Deck Safety Month®.
Presented each May by NADRA, Deck Safety Month® is focused on raising awareness of deck safety for building industry professionals and homeowners. According to NADRA, an estimated 30 million of the more than 60 million residential and commercial decks located in the U.S. have exceeded their useful life and are in need of repair or replacement.
And those numbers have significant consequences. During a single four-year period, more than 220,000 people nationwide were injured while on their deck or porch. Approximately 15 percent of those injuries resulted from a structural failure or collapse, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
“As outdoor living grows in popularity, it has become even more important to make sure outdoor structures such as decks are properly built and maintained,” said Andrew Toimil, chief product officer for Feeney, Inc. “Over the years, decks are exposed to sun, rain, snow and extreme temperature changes. Regularly inspecting them will help to ensure they remain strong and safe, providing valuable peace of mind for homeowners.”
Most experts agree that wood decks have an average lifespan of 10 to 15 years. After that point, even routinely sealed decks become more susceptible to wood rot and other potential hazards that can compromise their safety. In addition, structural elements can contribute to deck failure, including incorrectly flashed ledger board, dropped or heaved deck footings, rusty or missing metal connectors, and insufficient railings. To help ensure long-term success in a deck project, it is important that decks are properly constructed, including using proper blocking to reduce bounce and provide structural integrity, along with strong, weather-resistant fasteners.
NADRA has developed checklists and safety awareness information for consumers to ensure they have the information required to thoroughly evaluate their decks. Consumers can also learn about deck safety considerations in How Safe is Your Deck? Four Warning Signs You Should Know About.
Feeney is a Deck Safety Ambassador and longstanding supporter of NADRA, which has created campaigns and educational programs, along with certifications for building industry professionals to promote proper deck installation practices. Feeney also offers online technical resources developed to provide deck professionals with in-depth railing specifications and installation information.
For more about Deck Safety Month®, visit www.nadra.org/deck-safety.
About Feeney
Feeney, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of high quality architectural products that enhance the spaces where people live, work and play. Feeney residential and commercial products for exterior and interior applications include CableRail stainless steel cable assemblies, Quick-Connect® auto-locking cable fittings, DesignRail® aluminum railing systems with optional LED lighting, DesignRail® Panel Infill, stainless steel Architectural Rods, Awning Kits and the Trellis Collection of garden trellises. Since 1948, Oakland, California-based Feeney has been committed to providing construction professionals and DIY homeowners with innovative, easy-to-use products and unsurpassed service. For more information or the location of a dealer near you, please visit www.feeneyinc.com.
