Regular inspections of the deck can reveal potential problems before they become serious. Examine the surface for splinters and rough spots, and look for signs of mildew or mold. Walk the entire deck to feel for soft areas or sagging, and probe joists with a flashlight for signs of rot. Visit https://www.mountjoycompany.com to learn more.

A deck that’s not properly protected from rain can quickly become rotten and even collapse. This is why it’s important to take the time to walk your deck and look for rot, cracking, and pest infestations. This inspection should also include a trip underneath the deck to check for leaks and damage to the ledger board. This board is what connects the deck to your house, and it’s responsible for 90% of all deck collapses. The deck’s flashing is a key part of its structure because it prevents water from gathering behind the ledger board and damaging the sheathing and cladding. Properly installed flashing is also a good way to prevent water from seeping into your home, which can lead to costly structural repairs and poor air quality due to mold.

If you’re not comfortable crawling under your deck, simply use a flashlight to shine a light on the area beneath the deck and look for any standing water or signs of deterioration. While you’re there, be sure to carefully inspect all the hardware, including lag screws and nail heads that aren’t secured tightly enough or have rusted through. This is a good time to check for loose boards, too, as well as rot or fungus in the deck posts and joists.

It’s also a good idea to check the wood’s moisture resistance, especially if your deck is located in a humid climate. A quick test is to poke a screwdriver into the deck boards and see how they feel. If the wood splinters, it’s fine; but if it feels soft or spongy and is discolored, it’s likely rotted and should be replaced.

Finally, you’ll want to make sure that all the stairs and railings are secure, especially for the winter season when snow and ice can weigh down deck components. Examine stair risers and stringers for signs of rot or looseness, as well as stair handrails to ensure they are securely fastened to the balusters.

Check the Nails and Screws

When a nail pops out of a deck board, it creates an opportunity for moisture and pests to get in. As a result, it can lead to structural damage and rot. It also makes the deck unstable and unsafe for people to walk on. The best way to prevent loose nails is by regularly checking the deck for them. This includes listening for squeaks and feeling the wood for soft spots. It is also important to look for signs of rot such as small holes and discoloration around the boards.

The most common cause of loose nails is seasonal changes. During the winter, the low humidity causes the decking to shrink and can open up nail holes. During summer, the humidity increases and the decking expands, which can tighten up the nails.

Nails can also come loose if they are improperly set. For example, builders sometimes use nails that are too large for the deck board, which can create a weak point in the wood and allow moisture to get into it. Additionally, when screws are set too deep into the boards, they can create hundreds of little petri dishes for rot to grow in. This is why it is important to choose quality fasteners when building a deck.

While you’re checking for loose nails, it is also a good idea to check the screws and anchors on stairs, railings, and handrails. Tighten them if they are loose and replace them if they are rusted or corroded.

To keep your deck looking its best, you should clean it frequently and apply a stain or sealant every few years. You should also stain it as soon as you notice fading, as allowing the stain to fade can damage the wood and increase the likelihood of rot and insect infestation. It’s also a good idea to move outdoor furniture occasionally and trim nearby plants and trees so they are at least 12 inches away from the deck to help prevent mold, moss, and rot. Additionally, cleaning up grease, food, and drink spills promptly can prevent permanent staining.

Check the Ledger Board

The ledger board is one of the most critical parts of a deck. It connects the deck to the house or other structure, and it’s the place where a lot of water can enter the deck. If the ledger board isn’t adequately protected from moisture, it can rot and cause the deck to fall down. This is why it’s so important to regularly check and maintain the ledger board.

The first thing to do is to look for any areas where the deck surface has worn away and exposes bare wood. These areas are often the first to develop rot or insect infestations. If you notice that these areas are deteriorating, it’s important to repair and stain them as soon as possible.

If you’re looking for ways to prevent future problems with your deck, consider hiring a structural engineer or home inspector. These professionals can help you identify buried utilities, map out your deck area and ledger connection to your house, and give you the advice that you need to prevent potential issues.

Another way to help prevent future damage is by using flashing on your deck’s ledger board. The flashing helps to keep moisture from getting into the joint where the deck and house meet. A high-quality butyl-based flashing such as Trex RainEscape Wall Flash helps to preserve the wood in this critical area and reduce the chances of rot or decay.

You can also use a caulking gun to apply a bead of waterproof silicone caulk around the edges of the deck and ledger board to prevent leaks and other problems. Make sure to let the caulk dry completely before resuming normal use.

Lastly, when attaching your deck to the house or other structure, always use a screw with a hex-head and a hex-head washer to distribute the load. This will help to keep the ledger board from being ripped off in the event of a sudden or powerful movement.

It’s also important to follow the instructions that came with your lumber and/or check with a structural engineer for proper ledger board fastening patterns. A good rule of thumb is to use 1/2 inch diameter hot-dipped galvanized (HDG) lag screws for attaching the deck ledger to the rim joist of the house framing.

Check the Railings and Handrails

The railings and handrails are an important safety feature for those who have kids or elderly guests. They can help prevent injuries, such as falls, from children or guests who may lose their balance on a staircase.

When inspecting the railings and handrails, it’s a good idea to give them a firm tug. A wobbling rail can signal that the mounts are loose and needs to be tightened. It’s also a good idea to check whether the railing is at a height that meets local building codes. If not, it’s time to consider installing a new one.

Lastly, it’s a good idea to test the strength of the metal railings. A tap on the railings will let you know if there are hollow places in the railings. This indicates corrosion in the metal and a need for repairs.

A deck is exposed to a lot of pressure from the elements, including sun and rain. Over time, this can cause the boards to warp, sag or crack. This can be a problem for people who want to enjoy their deck during warm weather and it can also cause injury if someone slips or trips.

In addition to checking for soft or splintered boards, loose or missing balusters and popped nails, you should also inspect the deck railings to make sure they are code compliant. This is especially true for stairs, where the railings must be high enough to provide protection in case someone falls.

A quick visual inspection of the railings can reveal problems like rusty hardware, loose or damaged posts, and general discoloration.

During the spring and summer, you can avoid these problems by regularly cleaning and staining your deck. Keep up with cleaning, and remember to reseal it every other year. Use a brush or roller to apply the sealant. Aim for thin coats, as opposed to a thick layer of sealant, which can trap moisture and promote mildew and mold. Also, don’t forget to trim nearby bushes and trees to at least one foot away from the deck to allow for air circulation and slow mold, rot and tree sap damage.