09 2024
A deck is a crucial component of a house, and since they are outside, they’re more prone to underge more damage compared to other components of your house. Therefore, they need to be frequently inspected to make sure they are safe. Although inspecting your deck can be seen as a job that can’t be done without professionals and seems frightening, it is actually a lot easier when you know where to check and when to contact professionals. In this article, we will go over some of the things you should cover during a deck inspection.
The substructure is one of the most important components of your deck. You cannot expect to have a functional deck without functional substructure components. Concrete pillars are one of the key pieces of a substructure. They support the whole deck frame and are the key actors in distributing the weight of the deck as well as the people on it across a larger surface. Since this is one of the most important foundational pieces, we advise you to start from here. While you’re inspecting, be careful for the signs of wood decay, termites, breakages, and rot, and check for water drainage.
Loose railings are a major safety hazard that homeowners need to monitor closely. So, that’s the next thing you need to check out. Most of the time, if the railings are shaking, it’s because of the loose connections. To ensure secure connections, make sure to fasten the connections of deck posts to joists using screws. This is a relatively easy process. If you don’t feel ready to tackle this, you can always contact professionals.
Stair stringers provide a framework and load-bearing support for the treads and risers, so it’s important for them to be stable. Make sure they are secure and fastened to the deck frame. If the stairs are wooden, inspect them for warped, loose, or decaying boards. An incorrect ascent might be another issue with stairs. Stair risers must be uniform, and in many places, riser height can be a maximum of 7 inches; this is to avoid injury. If you think the riser is more than 7 inches, you should seek out professional help. Also, to prevent injuries, check the handrail to see if it’s secured and easy to grip.
Finally, make sure to inspect the deck surface. Most of the time, since these are right in front of our eyes, they’re easy to observe. Some common issues you should be watching out for on the surface are mold, mildew, decaying or damaged wood, pests, loose fasteners, and rust.
We hope that by following these simple steps, homeowners can easily evaluate their decks and identify if there’s anything that needs fixing or further inspection by a professional. Also, make sure to reach out to professional home inspectors in Atlanta to get your deck examined because there can be issues that you miss. If you are looking for a reliable home inspection company, you are at the right address. At Atlanta Property Inspections, we do our best to make sure your home is in a safe and good condition. Call us today to learn more and schedule your appointment.