As a responsible homeowner or property manager, ensuring the safety of your deck is of utmost importance. A deck inspection checklist is a crucial tool that helps identify potential hazards and defects in your deck's structure and components, ensuring that it remains safe and functional for years to come.

In this guide, we'll explain the importance of deck inspections and provide you with a comprehensive checklist of the requirements for a deck inspection, so you can have peace of mind knowing your deck is up to code and safe to use. Let's dive in!

Aerial photograph of a wooden backyard deck

Why Deck Inspections Are Important

Deck inspections are vital for several reasons. First and foremost, they ensure the safety of everyone using the deck. Over time, decks can deteriorate due to exposure to weather conditions, foot traffic, and other factors. Without proper inspection and maintenance, the deck's structural integrity can become compromised, leading to the risk of collapses, injuries, and even fatalities. Additionally, regular deck inspections can help identify any damage or defects before they worsen, which can save homeowners thousands of dollars in costly repairs.

Ensures safety of users
Prevents structural integrity compromise
Identifies damage and defects early
Saves homeowners money in costly repairs.

Common Issues With Decks

With regular use and exposure to the elements, decks can develop issues that require attention. Common problems include warping, rotting, and cracking of the boards, which can lead to safety hazards. In addition, inadequate flashing and improper attachment to the house can cause water damage and structural issues.

For these reasons, it's important to inspect your deck regularly for signs of wear and tear and address any issues promptly to prevent further damage. By staying on top of maintenance and repairs, you can ensure that your deck remains a safe and enjoyable space for years to come.

Deck Inspection Requirements

Inspecting a deck is more than just taking a glance at it. Several things go into a deck inspection to ensure it's safe for people. The North American Deck and Railing Association (NADRA) outlines specific areas to assess in a deck inspection. The following is a comprehensive deck inspection checklist that outlines the requirements of a thorough inspection.

1. Footing and Columns (Base Support)

Most decks have footing made with concrete for solid support. A professional should install the concrete footings below the frost line underground to ensure they're sturdy. This can vary depending on your city and county, but that's a general rule of thumb.

As for the wood, columns shouldn't be in direct contact with the concrete footing, free of rot, breakage, and water damage. Look at the base plate, brackets, bolts, and other metal components of the footing and columns for any damage.

2. Soil Underneath

Most people forget to look at the soil underneath their deck, but insect and water damage can come from the soil. The soil can be a big problem when it's not maintained correctly.

No soil should be in direct contact with the wood from the deck, and regular landscaping and pest control can help avoid issues from the soil underneath your deck.

3. Structural Support Under the Deck

Every part of your deck could be in perfect condition, but if the structural support underneath isn't, you have a significant problem. The structural supports are any framing boards and beams that keep the deck sturdy and safe for people to walk on.

Like any other wood part of your deck, you'll need to look for rot and significant breakage, but with the structural support, insect infestations are common and a problem.

Carpenter bees, carpenter ants, and termites are known to cause structural damage, so keeping up with pest control is vital.

4. Fasteners and Flashing Details

Most decks use sheet metal for flashing, but it's not always visible. You'll need to look carefully for it to ensure no water stains or damage. On the exterior of the fasteners and flashing, you can look for dry rot that can easily break and cause accidents for people on the deck.

You'll need to pay extra attention to this area because water, rot, and debris can get in quickly but isn't always easy to spot.

5. Deck Attachments

Not all decks have attachments, so if yours doesn't, then you can skip this step. A deck attachment can be whatever the deck attaches to, including your home. Attachments need bolts because screws and nails won't be strong enough.

You'll want to ensure that the bolts are installed at the header and that it's attached using joist hangers. Besides making sure you're using all the right components, you'll want to check that they're still in good condition and not bent, warped, or damaged.

6. Framing Brackets

Decks all have framing brackets. Usually, there's a combination of brackets like T brackets, L brackets, joist hangers, and span braces. Essentially, any metal plate or piece holding any part of the deck together must be inspected.

All framing brackets should have the right size nail for every hole, or they can be out of code. In addition to the correct nail size, you'll want to look for any aspects that would cause the brackets to be weak, like rust, rot, and white stains.

7. The Decking

There are many components to inspect when looking at the deck, but you'll also need to look at the overall decking. This includes assessing the wood panels or other material your deck is made with.

You'll look for rot, breakage, nails popping out, and weak pieces of wood. For a synthetic material, you'll want to look for sagging boards or bows that could pose a risk. Anything that seems out of place must be fixed to keep people safe.

8. Condition of the Wood

Since most decks are made with wood it is important to see the condition of all pieces of the wood. Wood holds moisture, so avoiding painting it can help keep it in good condition.

When wood is rotting or damaged in another way, accidents can happen. You'll want to ensure that no wood ends are exposed to prevent water from getting in and rotting the wood and that any support beams for the deck are of the appropriate height.

9. Stairs

Stairs can be the most dangerous part of a deck if they're not installed properly or maintained well. The material doesn't matter as much as proper installation and maintenance, but someone inspecting the stairs will look at the stringers and treads.

You'll want to look for any signs of rot, rust, or other damage to any part of the stairs. The stringers should be adequately secured to the deck and not loose at all.

10. Railings

All decks should have railings, whether they legally have to or not, that help prevent people from falling, but that's not enough. The barriers need to be in good condition and installed correctly.

The height of the railings needs to be appropriate for each deck, which is usually about 36 inches. Those inspecting deck railings will look to ensure they're made with metal or wood because vinyl isn't strong enough.

A part of railing inspection is that an adult should be able to grip the railing with one hand while their thumbs are on one side and be able to wrap their fingers around the other.

Signs Your May Need a Professional Deck Inspection/Repair

Here are some things to look out for when inspecting your deck:

Check for signs of rot or decay in the wood, particularly in areas that are exposed to moisture.
Look for any cracks or splits in the wood, which can be a sign of structural damage.
Check the condition of the fasteners, such as screws and nails, to make sure they are secure and not rusted.
Inspect the railing to ensure it is sturdy and free from damage.
Look for any signs of insect infestation, such as holes in the wood or sawdust around the deck.
Keep an eye out for any discoloration or stains on the wood, which could be a sign of mold or mildew.

If you notice any of the signs mentioned above, it is highly recommended to get a professional deck inspection. A professional inspector can provide a more thorough evaluation of the deck's condition, which can help identify any issues that may not be immediately apparent. This can include issues such as hidden rot or decay, or structural damage that may not be visible to the naked eye. An inspector can also offer advice on how to address any problems that are identified, which can help prevent further damage and ensure the deck remains safe to use.

In addition, a professional inspector can identify any potential hazards or code violations that may need to be addressed. For example, if the deck is not up to code in terms of railing height or spacing between balusters, this could pose a safety risk and may need to be addressed. In some cases, a professional inspection may be required by law, particularly if the deck is located in a public area or is part of a commercial property.

Ensure the Safety of Your Deck - Schedule a Deck Inspection

Regular deck inspections are essential for maintaining the safety of your deck and your family and guests. By following the deck inspection checklist requirements and conducting regular inspections, you can ensure the longevity and safety of your deck. The Sterling Watson Collective offers professional deck inspections to help homeowners identify any issues and provide solutions for repair or replacement. Don't wait until it's too late – invest in a professional deck inspection to ensure the safety and longevity of your outdoor living space.

If you're in need of a professional deck inspection, The Sterling Watson Collective is the team to trust on. Our experienced professionals will conduct a thorough inspection of your deck, following our comprehensive deck inspection checklist and meeting all the requirements set forth. We understand the importance of ensuring the safety and longevity of your deck, which is why we take every inspection seriously. Don't take any chances when it comes to the safety of your loved ones and property. Contact us today to schedule your deck inspection and let our team of experts provide you with the peace of mind you deserve.

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FAQs

Neglecting a deck inspection can have serious consequences, both in terms of safety and cost. If a deck is not inspected regularly, it can deteriorate over time and become structurally unsound. This can lead to a variety of safety hazards, such as collapsed decks, falling debris, or injuries to those using the deck. Additionally, if a deck fails inspection due to neglect, the homeowner may be liable for any injuries or damage that occur as a result.
Deck inspections should be performed at least once a year, and more frequently in certain circumstances. Factors that may require more frequent inspections include harsh weather conditions, heavy use of the deck, or if the deck is older or made of a material that is prone to deterioration. It is important to note that while annual inspections are recommended, homeowners should also inspect their deck regularly for signs of damage or wear and tear.
While homeowners can perform their own deck inspections, it is generally recommended that a professional be hired to perform a more thorough inspection. A professional inspector will have the expertise and experience to identify any potential hazards and recommend the appropriate course of action. Additionally, a professional inspector will be able to identify any code violations and ensure that the deck is up to current safety standards.
If a deck fails inspection, the homeowner should take immediate action to address any safety hazards identified during the inspection. This may involve repairing or replacing damaged or deteriorated materials, reinforcing weak areas, or adding additional support structures. It is important to address any safety hazards as quickly as possible to avoid any potential accidents or injuries. Additionally, if the deck fails inspection due to code violations, the homeowner may need to obtain the necessary permits and make the required modifications to bring the deck up to code.

Deck Inspection Checklist - Requirements & Expectations