Professional Deck Inspection

The Importance of Professional Deck Inspections

Regular inspections allow you to examine and keep an eye on the vital parts of your deck to avoid injuries. Every year, there are lots of injuries relating to decks recorded in the United States. The main culprits are deck collapses and defects with deck stairs and railings. Experts have even estimated that two-out-of-five decks in the U.S. have issues with their safety.

When stepping onto your deck, it is beneficial to check for any movement or sway. If any is noted, a professional inspection should be conducted to assess if infestations or other vulnerabilities are present.

Unstable or Damaged Deck Railings

Loose railings should be addressed promptly due to the associated risk of injury. Railings must meet applicable building codes for construction and should not be used in place of deck furniture or relied on heavily for support.

Rotting and Cracking

Wood may crack with extended use, but this is generally not a cause for concern. However, it is necessary to monitor cracks around fasteners or between joists, as they can cause structural element weaknesses if left untreated.

It is recommended to seal and stain your deck every 2-3 years in order to avoid cracks caused by exposure to water, cold and heat. For particularly severe cracked boards, replacement is the best option. The same tactic applies in cases of wood rot; if a noticeable portion of boards have rotted, these should be replaced for safety and aesthetic purposes.

It is important for deck owners to inspect the frame of their deck on a regular basis. The "pick test" can be performed on deck posts to detect any decay or rotting. If when broken, the wood bends slowly and does not break apart in too many pieces, it could indicate that there is some level of decay that should be fixed.

Rusty Structural Connectors / Fasteners

Underneath your deck, it is important to inspect the fasteners, connectors and joists for signs of corrosion. Check that nails, bolts, screws and metal connector pieces have not been compromised by rust. If rust is present, an inspector should be contacted.

It is recommended that any deck over 10 years old be assessed by a technical expert with knowledge of current code, as the evolution of construction code may necessitate the use of updated techniques and materials to ensure safe decking projects.

Exposure to Mold / Mildew

Decks can experience mildew growth, causing the wood to have a green tint. Steps are especially likely to develop mildew, making them slippery and dangerous. To avoid this, it is important to wash and stain regularly. Mold or fungus growth should be treated right away and not ignored as it could be an indication of more issues underneath the surface.

Deck Safety Inspections Are Now Required

California has implemented measures to ensure the safety of residents in multifamily dwellings. Senate Bill 326 and California Civil Code 5551 require inspections for condominiums or multi-family housing administered by residential homeowners’ associations (HOAs). The first inspection must be finished before January 1, 2025. This new Balcony Inspection Law will protect residents from potential balcony accidents.

Another law known as SB 721 was also passed recently. This one calls for more frequent periodic inspections on multifamily apartment buildings with three or more units, again with a deadline of January 1st 2025 for the initial inspection. If either law is not followed, HOAs can face civil lawsuits filed by tenants should an incident occur due to failure to inspect balconies or other areas and fix any existing issues. Clearly it is very important that all property owners comply with these safety laws in order to protect their tenants and avoid any legal problems down the road.

Get Your Deck Inspected Today

Inspections are not a once-and-for-all matter. They should be done regularly for safety and security. You might consider it a lot of work, but you don't have to do it yourself. You can contact us and let us do the work for you.

Why The Sterling-Watson Collective

The Sterling Watson Collective is a structural engineering group that serves Southern California, with a focus on home remodeling, deck inspections and ADU construction in Greater Los Angeles. Offering creative and innovative designs to single-family homes, multifamily structures, commercial, hospitality and more, our collaboration with world-renowned architects, engineers and designers allows us to deliver the best service. As a small local firm we offer freedom and flexibility while benefitting from large global resources and diversity.

Here are some of the other services we offer at The Sterling-Watson Collective:

• ADU Construction: Our ADU construction services in Los Angeles provide qualified and knowledgeable structural engineers, architects, designers and general contractors to ensure a comprehensive approach.

• Architecture: We offer both structural engineering and architecture services to assist with the construction of your building. Our professionals will be by your side to help realize a structurally sound and visually attractive end product. 

• Construction management: Our team of construction professionals have years of experience managing construction projects in Los Angeles and Southern California.

• General contracting: Our company offers general contracting services, including project design and construction. We are committed to helping you complete your project on time and within budget.

• Home contractors: Our network provides experienced contractors and home improvement professionals in Los Angeles to take your project from start to finish. We assess your needs and desires to ensure a successful outcome by matching you with the right contractor for the job.

• Project management: Our team of experienced project managers has many years of experience managing both residential and commercial projects.

• Structural engineering: Our project professionals have expertise in a range of structural engineering projects, ranging from small residential homes to large-scale commercial buildings. No matter the size of the project, our team is up for the challenge.