Coincedentally, our TV network aired a warning about the probablity of this happening on the 4th and suggested owners check the deck and support system. Apparently a lot of decks are not up to code and supports use nails to attach to the house rather than screws or bolts

The deck needs to be inspected by a licensed Civil Engineer.

More Deck Inspections Needed (Originally Published Sept. 2015 in Professional Deck Builder) In recent years it seems that there has been an epidemic of deck collapses and injuries at ocean-front rental properties, which I believe is the direct result of inadequate inspection by their owners that would identify structural deficiencies causing the deck to be unsafe. This is despite the fact that, after a tragic Chicago porch collapse in 2003 that killed 13 and injured 55 people, yearly inspections were recommended by the International Code Council (ICC) for residential decks and balconies. This is particularly important with older beach-front decks and balconies, which were likely designed and built using galvanized fasteners and joist hangers that eventually rust when exposed to salt spray and water. As early as 2007, DCA6 (published by the American Wood Council in cooperation with the ICC and Fairfax County, VA) recommended the use of stainless-steel bolts, lag screws, joist hangers, and nails for decks or balconies that are exposed to salt water or located within 300-ft of the ocean to prevent salt corrosion. Another potential structural problem is the deck ledger connection to the house. While current model building codes require the deck ledger to be fastened to the structure with either half-inch bolts or lag screws, in the past nails were often used to make these connections, resulting in a countless number of decks that are potentially unsafe and dangerous. Inspection by a qualified professional should uncover structural deficiencies that would require immediate repairs or even a deck replacement. Guardrails should also be regularly inspected. The current residential code does not prescribe how guard posts should be attached to the deck structure, and many residential contractors – and DIYers – who also build decks aren’t familiar with the DCA6 (www.awc.org/publications/DCA/DCA6/DCA6-12.pdf), which does contain a recommended detail for connecting guardrail posts to a deck. As a result, often the deck guards that get built have not been loaded tested (based on code prescribed loads) and some may be structurally unsafe. Ideally, inspections would be conducted by a registered design professional (RDP), typically a registered engineer who has knowledge and experience in inspecting wooden decks and balconies. The owner of the property or the property manager’s main objective for a deck or balcony safety inspection should be to determine whether the structure is safe based on the most current code for the location, coupled with industry recommendations for a safe deck and guardrail system. They should be very clear in their request for an inspection: Is the deck or balcony unequivocally safe in its current condition for future use? If not, the deck should be tagged as unsafe, not occupied, and immediately removed or replaced. Frank Woeste, Professor (Retired), Virginia Tech University

I unequivocally agree 100% with Frank Woeste. As a deck inspector myself and as a former contractor the sheer number of dangerous decks I see is staggering. It's a wonder more people aren't killed or injured from decks collapsing. DeckExpert.com urges homeowners, HOA's, Apartment managers etc to initiate deck inspections with an expert in the field of decks-an engineer, a contractor, an architect, someone who can recognize dangerous conditions. It could save your life.

Doesn't matter if the deck is built to code, you can't put 20 pounds in a 10 pound bag and expect it not to rip.

I feel there should be a label affixed to all doors leading to the deck stating the number of people allowed on the deck. As the deck becomes older, and the lumber and galvanized fasteners become weaker, this load capacity number will also decrease, so it must be updated or inspected at least every two years. I have built decks since 1971 here on MVY, which probably have never been inspected, and we did not have pressure treated lumber back then. Also, about ten years ago, many galvanized joist hangers were recalled due to premature failure, and most of them are still in use today here on the Island. I would recommend all decks over 4 feet above the ground height have at least load capacity labeling.