Peachtree City building official Tom Carty is featured in the

July/August 1998 edition of "This Old House" magazine, read

throughout the United States and Canada.

In an article titled "Building a Safe Deck," Carty is referred to

as a "crusader for safer decks" who makes sure prospective

deck builders understand every detail of a deck model in his office

before issuing them a permit.

Look under the deck at its attachment to the main beam,

Carty said, for bolts and flashing. He also suggests testing the

deck-to-house connection of beam and wall for rotting by how easily

a pocketknife penetrates them. Also, if the deck is bolted to

the house but there is a gap in the joint, the bolts could be

working loose or were never attached to anything structural.

Peachtree City construction company owner Jim O'Brien

was also featured in the article, describing a 7-year-old deck

where the bolt holes allowed water seepage in the deck-to-house

joint, causing extensive rotting.

The article recounts instances of improperly attached decks

collapsing, killing and injuring party guests enjoying the

otherwise sturdy structures. Most at-risk decks are attached with nails

instead of bolts or attached only through the house's exterior

siding, not to any substantial structures beneath.

Carty says he bought "about 750 copies" of the magazine

to send to friends and family, and has received a call from

ABC News, who may use his in a report of their own. He was also

commended in the Building Official Association of Georgia's

latest newsletter.

He tries to be modest, but has a hard time containing his

excitement. "I'm world famous for at least 13 seconds," Carty said.

"I'm working on my 15 minutes."

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