The Top Deck Inspection Tips For Homeowners
The Top Deck Inspection Tips For Homeowners
May is Deck Safety Month, and what better way to celebrate it than with a detailed deck inspection guide, specifically designed for homeowners who want to ensure the safety and durability of their hardwood or composite decks.
At Brazilian Lumber Los Angeles, we are dedicated to providing you with the tools and resources to make sure your deck stays a good investment and lasts the test of time. In this guide, we will go through the steps and tricks to complete your very own deck inspection.
Why Inspect Your Deck?
Regular deck inspections are crucial to detect potential problems early on, preventing expensive repairs down the line. Inspections help maintain your deck’s aesthetics and safety, ensuring a reliable space for your loved ones to run around, enjoy, and use to the fullest extent.
Key Safety Points to Watch For:
1. Insect Damage: It is essential to check for insect damage, especially in older decks that lack treatment for insect resistance or decking materials that are not naturally resistant to insects. Some of the common pests that can infest decks include termites, carpenter ants, and beetles.
For instance, pine, fir, and cedar are three woods commonly used for decking that are not naturally resistant to insects. In contrast, ipe and other tropical hardwoods are resistant to insects. You should thoroughly inspect the deck surface and the underside of the deck for any signs of insect damage, such as small holes or tunnels.
2. Metal Components: It is important to inspect all metal components, such as screws, nails, and brackets, for any signs of rust or deterioration. Metal components that are rusted or corroded can compromise the stability of the deck and pose a safety hazard.
3. Cracks and Rot: You should check both the decking material and the underlying structure for any cracks and rot. Cracks in the decking material can weaken the deck’s integrity and pose a tripping hazard. Rot in the underlying structure can compromise the deck’s stability and pose a safety hazard. You should inspect the deck boards, joists, beams, and posts for any signs of cracks and rot.
4. Railing Stability: Loose railings pose a significant safety risk, so it is important to check their stability. You should put pressure on the railings to ensure that they are firmly attached to the deck and can support the weight of an adult. If the railings wobble or feel loose, you should tighten the screws or bolts that attach the railings to the deck.
5. Mold and Mildew: The presence of mold and mildew can make surfaces slippery and indicate moisture issues. You should inspect the deck surface for any signs of mold and mildew, such as discoloration or a musty smell. If you detect any mold or mildew, you should clean the deck with a solution of bleach and water and take steps to improve ventilation and drainage to prevent future growth.
In general, you can avoid a lot of these issues by installing your deck with tropical hardwoods. Tropical hardwoods are among the densest woods in the world. Packed with natural oils, these hardwoods are naturally resistant to rot, decay, mold, fungus, mildew, insects, splintering, termites, scratching, and extreme weather conditions, among other things.
Examples of tropical hardwoods are ipe, cumaru, and garapa. While tropical hardwoods vary in terms of density and durability, they’re all considerably more durable and longer-lasting than other woods used for decking, such as redwood, cedar, and pine.
While utilizing tropical hardwoods doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ll never have to check for these key points, the likelihood of rot, insect damage, and other safety concerns is minimized greatly with these hardwoods. But, as with any other type of decking material, the installation process needs to be followed correctly in order to ensure longevity and low maintenance. Since tropical hardwoods are very dense, installation requires specific tools and expertise to make sure the deck is installed properly.
Essential Inspection Tools
When inspecting your deck, you will need several tools, including a flashlight, tape measure, level, plumb bob, hammer, ladder, and screwdriver. To ensure a thorough inspection, it is important to follow this step-by-step guide, which includes checking the substructures and examining deck stairs.
The Deck Inspection Guide
Here’s a comprehensive checklist to guide your deck inspection:
Substructure Examination:
1. Assess for Weathering and Moisture Impairments: Examine the concrete footings, wooden posts, and joists for indications of deterioration, rusted or loosened fasteners, and wood decay. Wood decay presents a significant risk to the integrity of deck substructures.
2. Footings and Posts: Evaluate for proper water drainage, decay, pest invasion, and any wood warping.
3. Joists and Framing: Verify that there is no drooping in the joists and that the rim joists and ledger boards are firmly attached. Pay extra attention to the ledger board because it connects to your deck to your house.
Wood Deck Inspection:
Decks constructed from pressure-treated (PT) lumber or softwoods (e.g., pine, fir, cedar) require more frequent inspections because they are much less resistant to environmental threats such as rot, decay, mold, insects, termites, and warping than tropical hardwoods like ipe, cumaru, and garapa. When inspecting these types of decks, prioritize:
1. Water Damage: Check for any signs of warping, decay, or rot from water damage.
2. Insect Infestation: Examine the deck for any signs of insect damage, which can compromise structural integrity.
3. Structural Soundness: Check that all boards are stable and secure and that nails or screws are not sticking out.
4. Resealing Needs: Examine the wood to see if it requires resealing to protect against weathering.
Because of the above inspection points, many people opt for durable tropical hardwoods such as ipe, cumaru, and garapa to lower maintenance and repair costs.
Composite Decking Inspection:
Composite and PVC decking, known for its blend of wood fibers and synthetic materials, offers durability and resistance to weathering. However, inspections are nonetheless crucial to maintain the deck’s integrity. Here, make sure to focus on:
1. Fastener Integrity: Look for damaged or loose fasteners.
2. Board Condition: Examine the deck for sagging boards which might indicate structural issues that require immediate attention.
3. Surface Cleaning: By cleaning the deck surface regularly, you can help maintain the deck’s appearance and prevent mildew or mold buildup.
Railing Inspection:
Make sure that you examine the stability of your railings. They should be firm enough to withstand pressure without significant movement. You should also look out for signs of wear such as splintering wood, rusting fasteners, or loose components. Additionally, check that your railings meet local building codes for height and spacing.
Deck Stairs Inspection:
When assessing your stairs, it is important to check for stability and wear. In order to do this, examine each step for signs of decay, warping or breakage. Make sure that the stringers, which are the side supports of the stairs, are intact and not rotting. Pay attention to the attachment points and look for loose or damaged treads. It is important that the stairs are secure and free from excessive movement.
Next Steps After Deck Inspection:
If issues are found during your deck inspection, it’s crucial to address them promptly.
Please remember the following guidelines for maintaining your deck:
1. Minor Repairs: If you notice small issues like loose fasteners, you can often fix them yourself.
2. Professional Consultation: For major concerns, especially those related to the structure of your deck, it’s best to consult a professional for repair or replacement advice.
3. Regular Maintenance: Keeping up with regular maintenance is key to prolonging the life of your deck.
Remember that the safety and durability of your deck depend on regular and thorough inspections. Whether you have a composite or wood deck, staying vigilant about its condition will ensure that you can enjoy your outdoor space safely for years to come!
