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Wood Decks need Attention Too

Many people build, our have built, nice beautiful decks on their homes all the time. But like everything, it needs attention from time to time. It seems that decks, like many things, get over looked and even forgotten about when it comes to maintenance and repairs.

This wooden set of stairs looks normal enough. Close to being up to code. BUT...

Wood stairs up to deck

As you can see this stair is about to DEMAND some attention when it has finally had enough and lets loose to send someone tumbling down the steps to certain injury.

top step about to give up

And if that doesn't get your attention, then this might even kill someone eventually. Leaning or pushing into this rail might just be enough someday.

rail close to giving up

It's a good idea to do a THOROUGH inspection of your deck, stairs and rails every spring to check for defects and potential failures. Many home repair service providers will provide this inspection for you, and of course with a quote to make repairs/replacements too.

Or better yet, get a COMPLETE Home Inspection to check the entire home for serious problems that could save you a lot of money in the long run. A simple repair might do before the problem gets too serious and even more expensive, requiring a total replacement.

This information is provided by David Holden, DRH Home Inspection in the Akron Ohio, Summit County Ohio Area.

Posted by David Holden DRH Home Inspection Akron, Ohio Summit on 07/07/2008 09:25 PM

Comments (18)

akron ohio, ohio, summit county ohio, home repairs, deck repairs, deck hazards, deck failures, deck stairs, deck stair repairs

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18 Comments on Wood Decks need Attention Too

JUL

2008

David, For a minute I thought that you were putting in a plug for me... LOL

Good post. Looks like they should have used better fasteners, and maybe galvanized? Toe-nailing is not a very strong fastening method. And those treads should be out of 1 piece of wood, not two. I like to use deck screws for building a deck, as opposed to nails.

Michael, It is a plug for your, in Nashville.

Kevin, When I build decks, I only use approved and galvanized screws. I DON'T use nails ever.

You just never know when someone is going to haul a refrigerator up rickety stairs like that----or a full keg of beer:)

David,

Only Charlie would present the "heavy beer" scenario. Breaking the six pack would break his heart. Broken leg, oh well. Broken bottle, translate that as a crisis. I was on a deck once that a realtor put her foot through and bruised her leg. Good post.

Charles, Loosing the beer would be tragic for sure, refrigerator, oh well.

Steven, You know Charles better then anyone, I will believe you. This inspection was for the owner doing a pre-listing inspection, she hadn't even noticed the step or rail, along with many other issues as well. Good thing she had the inspection before an open-house and someone got hurt. That is if she has it repaired.

David, one year I had six beers:)

Charles, Me too, I drink very little alcohol.

David - We were at the Texas coast over the 4th of July and did some work on my son's deck. The builder used nails and we are replacing nails with screws.

JUL

2008

Here in Nebraska, the weather has really nailed our decks. I've had to comment about them 9 out of 10 inspections. This is good info, keep it up!

JUL

2008

Some basic info on decks at: http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dpwes/publications/decks/

DEC

There are so many poor deck /porch installtions that I have added an extra fee. A large deck inspection if performed properly, is a dirty, crawling, additional time adventure to the unknown. Besides, it's not part of the home.

DEC

Something else - I recommend on each inspection where there is a deck that it be sealed with something that is not only waterproofing, but also UV protective. That helps forestall splitting, splintering, warping, spitting out nails (I agree that a deck should be screwed up, so to speak...) and so forth.

You had some good catches on that deck. Definite homeowner installations... and who knows, the county may have inspected it and let that stuff go!

The word I am supposed to type below is "rambai." What is that, a bunch of Asain Rambos? I can hear the charge, "Bonzai Rambai!!"

JAN

Hi David - Great pictures and commentary on deck safety. I had a listing where the railings and steps were in disrepair. There was apparent rotting (possibly insect infestation) and did not look safe at all. During my showings I was compelled to warn people about the condition of the deck and point out the defects. The deck was on the top floor of a bi-level and a real hazard. My seller did not want to make any repairs and, of course, this listing expired with no interest.

Erol, Jay and Jon, Thanks for the recent comments. I have seen many decks in very poor condition and in need of major repairs or even tore down and rebuilt correctly. Too many homeowners think a deck is a simple weekend project and hack one together.

Thanks, Dave

David: I think some more nails will fix this deck right up...and maybe duct tape of course to make it permanent.

duct tape and twistie ties.

APR

Nice pictures, it looks as though nobody ever cared about the deck! When I build pressure-treated decks here in Ma., I always nail the main framing members together with galvanized nails and use joist hangers. And as for the decking and railings, I always screw the decking down, to ensure no twisting, cupping, buckling of the decking. And finally, you don't have to wait a few months for pressure-treated decking to dry out to treat it with stain. Just sand and stain, once you have built your deck.

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