SUMMER SAFETY TIPS:

As spring is here, and summer is right around the corner, the Building Department is urging homeowners to take the time to check their outdoor areas for potential safety hazards. Proper inspections now can help to keep your family and friends safe in the future.

DECK and BALCONIES
Decks and balconies can be a risk of collapsing if they are not properly constructed or if they are old. A common safety hazard occurs when decks or balconies are nailed to buildings rather than being attached with the proper anchors or bolts. Nails are a pool method for attaching decks and balconies to buildings because they work their way loose over time. Other safety hazards to look for are:
Splitting or rotting wood
Wobbly handrails or guardrails
Loose, missing or rusting anchors,
Missing, damaged or loose support beams and decking
Poor end support of the deck or balcony deck, joists or girders
Excessive movement of the balcony when walked on
Swaying or unstable decks or balconies
Building or repairing to the building code, which requires a building permit and an inspection, will help ensure that your deck or balcony is safe. The Building Code of New York State specifies the amount of weight a deck or balcony is required to support. Be careful, however, not to allow the deck or balcony to become overcrowded. If the people on the deck or balcony structure have difficulty moving around, the structure could be exceeding its capacity. For more information on this topic or any other topic, please feel free to visit or contact the Greenport Building Department
John V. Florio Jr. Vincent J. Concra
Town of Greenport Building Inspectors / Code Enforcement Officers
Phone & Fax 822-8420
email: buildinginspector@townofgreenport.com
Members of the International Code Council, a membership dedicated to building safety and fire prevention