Deck Maintenance

Home Inspections 101

Almost every new home built today includes an elevated porch or deck. Great for seasonal socializing, right? However, before you put another shrimp on the barbie, take some time to ensure that your outdoor hang-out is safe and structurally sound. The importance of inspecting new and existing decks cannot be underestimated. Deck failure can happen, and you can imagine the consequences of that preventable tragedy. Age, exposure, and inferior wood products can all lead to problems. If you’re thinking “I’m in the clear, my deck is made of composite material”, the substructure is still made of wood. Here are issues that your inspector will look for when a home inspection takes place:

  • Split or rotting wood
  • Loose or missing nails, screws, or anchors
  • Missing, damaged, or loose support beams and planking
  • Wobbly handrails or guardrails
  • Lack of ledger board flashing or improper ledger board installation

Good preventive practices for wooden decks are pressure washing on a regular basis and keeping a good sealant on it. It is also important to conduct a deck inspection annually, on your own if you’re familiar with the structure and know what to look for, or with a professional home inspector. If you conduct repairs in a timely manner, often it is just the top deck that needs to be replaced because the substructure beneath faces less wear and tear. However, if you neglect to maintain your deck on a regular basis that is when the framing can begin to rot and you’re on your way to a dangerous situation.

  • VISIT PAGE
    PLAY VIDEO
    Radon Inspection
    Radon is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless radioactive gas that is sometimes found in the basements of American homes. While it is impossible to detect...
  • VISIT PAGE
    PLAY VIDEO
    HVAC Inspection
    Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) equipment provides heating and cooling for your home. The HVAC system may also be responsible for providing fresh outdoor...
  • VISIT PAGE
    PLAY VIDEO
    Termites & Wood Destroying Insects
    Termites and other wood destroying insects cause billions of dollars in damage each year. Termites are the most notorious pests, but you can also have carpenter...
  • VISIT PAGE
    PLAY VIDEO
    Chimney and Fireplace Inspections
    Your fireplace is likely either a masonry fireplace or a factory built fireplace. There are a few hybrid types, but they are less commonly found....
  • VISIT PAGE
    PLAY VIDEO
    Deck Inspection
    Almost every new home built today includes an elevated porch or deck. Great for seasonal socializing, right? However, before you put another shrimp on the...
  • VISIT PAGE
    PLAY VIDEO
    Roof
    A roof inspection is an important preventative maintenance job that can identify issues before they turn into larger problems like leaks and rotting wood. And...
  • VISIT PAGE
    PLAY VIDEO
    Attic Inspection
    An attic inspection, while not exactly comfortable or glamorous, is a very important part of the home inspection process. In the Summer, attic temperatures can...
  • VISIT PAGE
    PLAY VIDEO
    Exterior Grading
    When establishing the final grading plan (the landscaping of soil elevations) of your home, make sure that water will move down and away from the foundation....

TOP