Just like most parts of your home’s exterior, your wooden deck needs regular inspections as part of its maintenance routine. This is especially important for elevated decks as you’ll always want them to be safe to stay on at all times. Home improvement company Up and Above Contractors shares a list of the things you should check during your deck inspection.
- Wood Components — Inspect the wood boards for signs of damage or decay. Gently tap and probe the spaces between the boards with an elongated tool, such as a screwdriver. If the wood feels soft or is splintering, or if parts fall out after you tap on it, then these are signs of decay. Don’t put anything heavy on these areas until after your deck contractor has performed repairs.
- Ledger Board — These load-bearing boards are what rafters are to a roofing system. There should be as small a gap as possible between ledger and the house. The bolts may need to be tightened if you can fit your fingers in the gap. Also, check the flashing, and make sure it’s not pulling away from the ledger board.
- Railings and Balusters — Grasp the balusters and railings, and gently but firmly wiggle them. If they’re loose, call your trusted remodeling company for repairs. These components are unsafe if left loose.
- Support Posts — For elevated decks, you should be able to view and inspect the support posts from the deck’s underside. Check all bolts, and tighten them if you find loose ones, but don’t over-torque them so you can allow for wood expansion and contraction. It’s important to keep these components as rigid as possible to avoid unsteady decks.
- Surface Finish — Inspect the spaces between the boards for signs of mildew. Look out for spots where the water doesn’t form beads on contact. This indicates the waterproofing layer is already worn off. Clean with a mild solution as recommended by your decking contractor before applying a new layer of waterproofing finish.
To learn more about our services as a decking and roofing company, call Up and Above Contractors today at (973) 300-0636. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule a free estimate. We serve areas in Sussex, Morris and Warren counties, including Sparta, Andover, Hackettstown and Wantage, NJ.