Decks provide a great place to relax during warmer months, and will last for years if not decades, but do have a few requirements to help assure your family's safety. Remember to inspect each of the following at the start of warmer weather so that nothing interferes with the sun and fun.
1) Look for cracks, holes or signs of decay. Probe places where water might accumulate such as depressions and cracks. Holes may indicate insects are setting up home. Check with your local pest control expert.
2) The ledger board (the board attached to the house that supports the ends of the deck joists) should be attached with stainless steel or galvanized ½ “ x 3” lag bolts or screws with washers. Nails can work loose. Verify that the ledger board still fits tightly to the house. There may be a small air space here but the ledger board should not be loose.
3) There should be a flashing that directs water running down the side of the house so that it does not enter behind the ledger board. Check for damage to the flashing.
4) Hand rails should be firmly in place and have no signs of decay. Older decks may not comply with more recent safety standards for railings and baluster separation. Bringing them up to present standards can help improve your family's safety.
5) Check the connections between the decks beams and support posts. These should be firm with no signs of decay. Check the lower edge of the support posts for proper footing and lack of decay. Check to make certain that the Joist hangers have nails in every hole
6) Refinishing your wood deck can be an annual event. On a dry day sprinkle water on the deck. If it doesn't bead it's time to clean and refinish to help preserve it.
Mid-America Inspection Services
Engineering Excellence in Home Inspection
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