How to Check Your
Deck for Problems
Summer party season is in full
swing, and that means scores of
people will be relaxing with family and friends on their decks.
But such gatherings are only as
fun as they are safe, and responsible hosts and homeowners
must inspect their decks for
signs of trouble before hosting
their first summer soiree.
Deck inspections can be
relatively simple, especially
for those homeowners whose
decks are newly built or recently
refurbished. But even a new
deck should be inspected at the
start of the season to ensure the
safety of all who will be spending time on the deck in the
months to come. The following
are a few tips to help homeowners spot trouble spots on their
decks.
* Check the wood
Split or decaying wood is a
trouble spot that will need to
be addressed. Such wood may
feel spongy or break off without
splintering, and those things are
indicative of rot. Another sign of
trouble to look for with regard
to the wood is whether or not
it has any holes. Holes may be a
symptom of infect infestation,
which can compromise the
safety of the deck over time.
* Inspect the ledger board
The ledger board is a weightbearing board that connects
the deck to the house. Over
time, the gap between the
ledger board and the house may
widen. In such instances, simply
tighten the bolts. When inspecting the ledger board, examine
the flashing that surrounds it.
Flashing prevents the buildup
of moisture that causes rot, and
when there is an issue with the
flashing, it’s often noticeable
because mud and debris has
become stuck between the
flashing and the exterior wall of
the home. Clear any such debris
and then seal the overlapping
areas with caulk.
* Inspect support posts
Support posts should be firmly
connected to the beams below
the deck floor. Loose connections between the support posts
and beams should be tightened,
and replace any bolts that need
replacing.
* Inspect the surface
The elements can be harsh on
a deck, so inspect the surface
to ensure there is no buildup of
mildew, power washing any areas where mildew has started to
accumulate. Different deck materials may need certain types
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of cleaners,
so consult
with the
company
who built
your deck
or speak to
a local home improvement specialist to determine which type
of cleaning solution your deck
needs. Once the deck has been
power washed, allow it to dry
before applying any additional
layers of finish.
* Ensure railings are not loose
Grasp and shake the deck’s
railings to ensure none are loose
and all provide ample support
for anyone who will be enjoying the deck. Balusters are the
short pillars or columns that run
perpendicular to the railings
and the walking surface of the
deck, and these should also
be checked to ensure they are
not loose. Youngsters may lean
against the balusters when
relaxing on the deck, so it’s imperative that none are loose.
Deck inspections ideally
should be performed in spring
before homeowners host
their first get-together, and if
any problems are discovered,
everyone should steer clear of
the deck until those issues have
been addressed.
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TODAY’S HOME - Spring 2015 • 23