Nail pops / liability

[deckrock]

Several years ago in Chicago, a deck had fallen in a apt building and a couple dozen people were killed. With this in mind, a few estimates we have given has asked us to hammer nail pops.

Would this incur a liability issue? We're not exactly making the deck safer, we're pretty much just preventing others from tripping or snagging clothes.

Has this been an issue for anyone? I've thought about adding a statement in our new proposal that we are not licensed builders and we do not replace boards or make recommendations that deal with the structure of the deck.

When contacting our local city, we were told a contractor who erects a deck or fence does not have to be licensed or even a legit contractor. They said there is not rules to follow when erecting these items and that all we need is a permit. Does anyone see a problem with this?

 

[RogerG]

Returning nails to their original position is a part of our detailing/defurring service and is not an option of leaving out. Our goal is to leave the deck as close to perfect as possible (not to mention we don't want to damage our own equipment or digits from poking up nails!) We replace boards if needed upon request and charge an additional fee for it. Our area does not require licensing to do these types of minor repairs. Anything that deals with structural issues we do refer to our favorite deck builder (much communication is initally through pictures & email). States such as Maryland have much much stricter licensing requirements for home maintenance - you have to be licensed to apply stain! It is a little scary that there are not more stringent requirements to build a deck - all that is needed is a permit here as well. Guess that's when educating the customer comes in on their end - you get what you pay for

Celeste

 

[Henry Bockman]

Yeh Maryland is difficult. You need a license to stain decks and yep, tighten those nails..lol

 

[onecallpowerw]

Maryland

Sue Me. I am also in Maryland and we reset nails/screws on every deck we restore. This is part of the restoration process. Not to mention we also sand all top rails as well.

If you find an idiot out there that will report you for doing a service such as this, then go with it. The judge will laugh him out of the courtroom.

 

[Henry Bockman]

Hey Gordon,

I don't think the home owner would have a problem with it but an inspector or the Maryland Home Improvement commission would. I'm not going to tell.