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Mar
2021

5 Top Things to Look for When Inspecting a Deck

March 18th, 2021 | by Admin Deck Experts | in Custom Deck Building |    0   

A deck can be risky or dangerous if not properly built by a specialist. A well-built deck will last for a long time.

Decks that are engineered by amateurs or inexperienced individuals are often not built safely or seriously and do not respect the building code requirements of the jurisdiction.

Every year, people and pets die or get injured both falling from decks or when decks fail and fall down.

A list of things to look for when inspecting a deck:

• Check the fasteners
• Check the materials
• Check the stability
• Check the railings
• Check the finish of the deck

1. The fasteners

Decks with low-quality or inappropriate screws or fasteners are dangerous to use. Cheap screws can shorten the lifespan, discolour, and corrode the deck. Coated screws or stainless-steel screws, uniquely designed for pressure-treated wood, resist corrosion and extend the life of your deck.

Look for loose or protruding nails and screws. That's a sign that repair is needed.

2. The materials

Homeowners have a variety of decking material choices. For lovers of real wood, cedar may be used, and pressure-treated lumber may be used underneath are good.

Hardwoods are coming into fashion, and you can get different choices such as jarrah, and ipe. They are costly compared to other kinds of woods. You are limited only by your pocketbook.

Synthetic decking lasts longer than real wood. So, synthetic decking has a higher upfront cost, but not necessarily a higher cost over time. 

3. Stability

Does the deck feel soft in any areas? Does it feel solid when you walk on it? Deck movement where there shouldn't be is a classic sign of rotten boards, joists or footings.

Do you see boards that are split? Or loose? That deck needs repair.

4. Railings matter

Classy deck railings have taken decks to higher levels. Choices such as cabling, glass, vinyl, and metal have a great impact on the appearance of the deck.

It's also really important that railings and posts look and feel secure. A railing that isn't solid is really dangerous.

Also, are there railings where there should be? Your local building code will have requirements for when railing is needed.

5. The finish of the deck

Is the finish seamless? Do you have patches that are discoloured or faded? Wood decks usually need to be refinished on a regular basis, both for looks and to protect the wood underneath.

Decks are our business. If your deck needs repair, restoration, or replacement, please feel free to contact us.

Deck Experts, based in Surrey, BC, are professional deck builders with a long track record of success. We offer free estimates and long warranties and can build or fix any deck around.

If you have any questions about this article or would like to talk to us about decks, please call us at (604) 626-7100.

Links

https://www.familyhandyman.com/decks/easy-deck-inspection-and-deck-repair-tips/

https://www.bhg.com/home-improvement/deck/building/10-things-to-know-about-building-a-deck/

https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/news/2015/07/5-steps-to-a-safer-deck/index.htm