Residential Home Inspection Services

 Deck stairs are particularly vulnerable to damage and shifting.

• Inspect the stair stringers for proper connection to the deck, and check for rot or breakage.
• Ensure all treads are securely attached, even, and free of loose or warped sections.
• Test the handrails for stability.

The deck's stability starts from the ground up. 

• Check for rot, cracks, or shifting in concrete footings.
• Inspect support posts for rotting, cracks, twisting, or insect damage.
• Verify that posts are secured to the footings and the ground slopes away from the foundation to ensure proper water drainage.

 These components form the structural frame beneath the deck surface.

• Look for sagging, warping, or insect damage.
• Inspect  metal joist hangers for rust, corrosion, or signs of bending. Ensure  that all the correct fastener holes have been filled.

 A ledger  board is the framing piece where the deck attaches to the house.  Failure at this point is a leading cause of deck collapse. Approximately 90% of deck system failures result from ledger separation from the main structure.

• Ensure the ledger is attached to the house with proper bolts or lag screws—not just nails.
• Check for any signs of separation or pulling away from the house.

 These are the walking surfaces of your deck. And the finished product as well.

• Examine  boards for widespread cracking, splitting, or rotting. For wood decks,  use a screwdriver to probe any suspicious-looking boards.
• If using composite decking, look for bowing, sagging, or excessive fading.

 This is a critical safety component, especially for elevated decks.

• Firmly push on all sections of the handrail to check for any wobbling or excessive movement.
• Check  that balusters are securely fastened and that the spacing between them  meets code requirements (typically no more than 4 inches).

 These issues can compromise the deck's integrity from the inside out. This evaluation procedure is happening at all stages of the deck inspection and evaluation.

• Using a screwdriver or ice pick, test soft or discolored areas, especially where water may collect.
• Look for signs of insects like termites or carpenter ants, such as boreholes, frass (sawdust), or mud tubes.

  The area underneath and around the deck can impact the structure's longevity.

• Ensure that the soil is properly sloped away from the deck and house.
• Check for any areas where moisture is trapped or for soil that is in direct contact with wooden components. .

Several additional features that should be made not of during a deck inspection and evaluation.

• Does the deck have any floor lighting or other lighting? Illumination of deck and deck stair surfaces is critical to safe enjoyment during low light conditions.
•  Does the deck have a hot tub?
•  Does the deck have a bump-out or some area for a grill or area to barbeque?  Or an area where a fire pit is being utilized that does not have adequate protection for the deck surface and framing.
•  Does the deck have any under-deck finishing?