Here are a few signs you might want to be on the lookout for when evaluating your deck.
- Missing Connections: There should be a combination of metal hardware, nails, screws and bolts that hold you deck together.
- Loose Connections: Shaky railing, loose stairs and ledgers that appear to pull away from the house are all concerning.
- Corrosion: If there are signs of red, rust of corrosion on any of the parts they need to be replaced with parts that have been rated for outdoor use.
- Rotted Wood: Wood will decay & rot when exposed, if it feels soft or hollow when poked with a screwdriver you should have it replaced.
- Large Cracks: Wood will crack over time but when you have large & excessive cracks these are dangerous.
For more information about how to figure out if your deck is in need of repair, visit www.safestronghome.com/deck/05.asp
Here’s a checklist put together to help you evaluate your deck every year.
Annual Deck Inspection Checklist
Missing Connections, circle all that apply
- Ledger attachment including lag screws, brackets & nails
- Ground to Post connection including bolts & nut
- Post to Beam connection bolts, nuts & nails
Loose Connections, circle all that apply
- Deck & stair railing – make sure it is not wobbly
- Ledger – look for separation from home
- Connections from ledger to joist
- Stair treads, risers & stringers
Corrosion: Check all hardware including nails, screws, nuts & bolts check for any rust or decay. Look for rust, broken or missing pieces.
- Ledger to structure
- Ledger to joist
- Ground to post connections
- Post on beam
- Beam to joists
- Stair stringers to deck
- Stair treads to stringers
- Railing post to deck
Rotted Wood
- Look over all lumber for decay & rot.
- Take special look at posts bases for moisture rot.
- If it feels soft or hollow when poked with a screwdriver you should have it replaced.
Large Cracks
- Look over all lumber for major cracks.
You can log on to www.safestronghome.com/deck/02.asp to view the connection points that are mentioned above.