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A tragic deck collapse in Galveston, Texas, has brought renewed attention to the risks of using improper materials in coastal construction. The fatal incident, which claimed the life of local public relations leader Susan Farb Morris, was determined to be caused by corroded nails. Galveston city inspectors confirmed that the structure's collapse was due to years of exposure to the harsh, salty Gulf air, which caused the nails holding the deck together to rust and fail.
The collapse has raised questions about construction practices in coastal areas, where materials are subject to accelerated wear and corrosion. Contractors and building professionals are urging a focus on durable materials, especially stainless steel fasteners, to prevent similar tragedies.
The Role of Salt Air and Corrosion
Robert Beberg, owner of BTB Construction, emphasized the importance of using stainless steel fasteners for any exterior structures in coastal environments. "Stainless steel fasteners are highly recommended for everything that's on the exterior," Beberg explained. He pointed out that the salty air from the Gulf quickly corrodes carbon steel, leading to unseen rust within the wood structure itself. Over time, this hidden deterioration can weaken the deck's integrity, creating a significant safety risk.
The deck that collapsed was built 30 years ago, and while no unauthorized work was detected, today's building codes would not allow such construction methods. Current standards would require the use of more durable materials, such as stainless steel fasteners and joist hangers, to ensure a longer-lasting and safer structure.
Building Code Requirements and Best Practices
If built today, the deck would need to meet updated building codes that require not only more corrosion-resistant materials but also additional safety measures like joist hangers. These components provide an extra layer of protection, ensuring that even if some fasteners fail due to corrosion, the overall structure remains intact.
Beberg also stressed the importance of regular inspection of deck structures, especially for homes located near the water. Homeowners should check for rusted screws, nails, and other signs of deterioration. "Look for rust lines dripping down underneath. That means you have corrosion going on under your deck," Beberg advised.
The Importance of Proactive Inspections
Galveston inspectors recommend that homeowners regularly inspect their decks, particularly for signs of wood separation or rust. These visible indications can signal hidden issues that may compromise the deck's safety. The Gulf's unique environmental conditions make it even more important for coastal homeowners to remain vigilant about their exterior structures.
For building officials and inspectors, this incident underscores the need to enforce the use of high-quality, corrosion-resistant materials in coastal construction. Stainless steel fasteners, while more expensive than carbon steel, offer superior protection against the elements, particularly in salty, humid environments like Galveston. As this tragedy illustrates, the upfront investment in better materials can prevent costly repairs—and save lives.
The collapse has raised questions about construction practices in coastal areas, where materials are subject to accelerated wear and corrosion. Contractors and building professionals are urging a focus on durable materials, especially stainless steel fasteners, to prevent similar tragedies.
The Role of Salt Air and Corrosion
Robert Beberg, owner of BTB Construction, emphasized the importance of using stainless steel fasteners for any exterior structures in coastal environments. "Stainless steel fasteners are highly recommended for everything that's on the exterior," Beberg explained. He pointed out that the salty air from the Gulf quickly corrodes carbon steel, leading to unseen rust within the wood structure itself. Over time, this hidden deterioration can weaken the deck's integrity, creating a significant safety risk.
The deck that collapsed was built 30 years ago, and while no unauthorized work was detected, today's building codes would not allow such construction methods. Current standards would require the use of more durable materials, such as stainless steel fasteners and joist hangers, to ensure a longer-lasting and safer structure.
Building Code Requirements and Best Practices
If built today, the deck would need to meet updated building codes that require not only more corrosion-resistant materials but also additional safety measures like joist hangers. These components provide an extra layer of protection, ensuring that even if some fasteners fail due to corrosion, the overall structure remains intact.
Beberg also stressed the importance of regular inspection of deck structures, especially for homes located near the water. Homeowners should check for rusted screws, nails, and other signs of deterioration. "Look for rust lines dripping down underneath. That means you have corrosion going on under your deck," Beberg advised.
The Importance of Proactive Inspections
Galveston inspectors recommend that homeowners regularly inspect their decks, particularly for signs of wood separation or rust. These visible indications can signal hidden issues that may compromise the deck's safety. The Gulf's unique environmental conditions make it even more important for coastal homeowners to remain vigilant about their exterior structures.
For building officials and inspectors, this incident underscores the need to enforce the use of high-quality, corrosion-resistant materials in coastal construction. Stainless steel fasteners, while more expensive than carbon steel, offer superior protection against the elements, particularly in salty, humid environments like Galveston. As this tragedy illustrates, the upfront investment in better materials can prevent costly repairs—and save lives.
