As the weather warms up in Chicagoland, our decks become the ultimate spots for weekend barbecues, family gatherings, and relaxing evenings. But because our outdoor spaces host the people we care about most, safety should always be the top priority. Decks are complex structural systems exposed to some of the harshest weather in the country—from brutal Chicago winters with heavy snow loads to humid midwestern summers. Over time, wear and tear, aging materials, or poor initial