Your deck is an extension of your home, and like any built structure, your deck requires routine maintenance and care. As a homeowner, your ability to complete regular deck inspections is critical if you want your deck to be safe, functional and in top condition.
In this blog guide, we’ll walk you through how to perform a do-it-yourself deck inspection. We also provide you with a list of the tools you will need for your inspection and how to use those tools when inspecting your deck for the best results.
Why Regular Deck Inspections Matter
- Safety First
The most important reason for you to do regular deck inspections is safety.
Neglecting key structural components is linked to deck accidents or collapses. Weather, age, and heavy usage over time all contribute to general wear and tear, making deck inspections crucial in addressing safety concerns. It’s also easy to let structural issues lag without regular inspections, especially when some structural problems are not always easy to catch. - Catch Defects and Damage Early On
Regular deck inspections allow you to catch defects or damage to your deck before they become progressively worse. You can be proactive in knowing what deck repairs you can DIY or when you need to consult with a professional deck contractor. - Extend the Structural Integrity of Your Deck
Early detection of issues like loose fasteners, small cracks, or minor wood rot can prevent problems from escalating. With regular deck inspections, you can address minor deck repairs before they require overhauls or even a complete deck replacement, saving both time and money. Maintenance extends the lifespan of your deck, and regular deck inspections are part of it. - Protects Your the Value of Your Investment
Maintaining your deck adds curb appeal and increases your home value. Do you plan to sell your home? A safe and structurally sound deck is an added selling point. Regular deck inspections ensure your deck complies with safety standards, maximizing resale potential, protecting your investment and giving you peace of mind.
Tools You’ll Need for a DIY Deck Inspection
Before you begin your inspection, gather the necessary tools. Using these tools will make your DIY inspection safer and more manageable.
- Flashlight: For inspecting underneath the deck and in dark corners where damage can be hidden.
- Screwdriver or Awl: Used for probing wood to detect rot or termite damage.
- Hammer and Nails: For quick fixes like securing loose nails during inspection.
- Carpenter’s Square: To check for warping or twisting boards.
- Level: Ensures your deck surface, steps, and railing are still level and haven’t shifted.
- Tape Measure: To measure spacing between railings or between deck boards to ensure safety standards are met.
- Camera or Smartphone: Take photos to document areas of concern or before-and-after shots for comparison.
- Moisture Meter: Detects moisture content in wood, which can help identify areas of rot.
- Binoculars: Helpful for inspecting hard-to-reach areas without a ladder.
- Safety Gear: Gloves, safety glasses, and knee pads are recommended for protection during a thorough inspection.
DIY Deck Inspection Checklist
Learn what to look for during a deck inspection. Our guide includes tools and techniques for spotting damage and identifying potential repairs.
- Inspect for Damage: Check for loose or damaged boards, nails, screws, and railings. Address any minor DIY deck repairs right away.
- Check for signs of infestation: Spring is the perfect time to inspect for pest activity, such as carpenter ants and termites, especially if your deck is wood. If you find an infestation, deal with it immediately before the problem worsens or contact a pest control team.
- Clean the Deck Surface: Sweep your deck first to remove debris, dirt, and leaves. On wood decks, use a gentle wood cleaner; for composite or vinyl decking, follow manufacturer recommendations or use a light soap and water mixture or appropriate deck cleaning solution with a scrub brush to clean your deck.
- Powerwashing: If your deck has mildew, grime and stains, you can clean it by power washing it after sweeping. Before power washing, it’s important to know what correct pressure setting to use and tip, especially on wooden decks.
- Reseal or Restain Wood Decks: Spring is the best time to reseal or restain the surface of a wood deck. Resealing and restaining protects the wood from UV rays, moisture, and wear.
- Check and Clean Gaps: Clear debris between boards to allow water to drain and prevent mould and mildew buildup.
- Clean Railings: Wipe down railings and check for loose or damaged sections.
Summer Deck Maintenance: Protect from Heat and Sun
In summer, decks face prolonged exposure to heat and UV rays, which can lead to fading and cracking. Here's how to keep your deck looking great during the hottest season of the year:
1. Inspect the Deck Surface
2. Deck Structural Integrity
Joists, Beams & Support Posts:
Beams are large, long components of a deck frame that sit on posts and span the foundation or concrete piers. They provide primary support for the entire deck and distribute load across multiple points.
Joists are the smaller, shorter components of a deck frame that connect to the beams and are installed horizontally to help distribute the load of a deck evenly. Deck flooring is attached to the joists.
Support posts are vertical components that carry the weight of the entire deck. They rest on concrete footings or piers and transfer the deck’s load to the ground.
3. Railings & Stairs
4. Flashing & Water Damage
5. Pest Infestation & Damage
Get Started with a Professional Deck Inspection
- Structural Damage: If you identify signs of structural damage, such as sagging beams, broken joists, or extensive wood rot in posts, it's time to hire a professional deck contractor for a deck inspection. These structural issues may compromise the safety and stability of the deck, requiring specialized deck repair services you can not do yourself or, even a complete deck replacement.
- Complex Repairs: For tasks beyond simple, common DIY deck repairs, like replacing deck joists or installing new support posts, professional deck expertise is required to ensure safety and compliance with local building codes.
- Deck Load Concerns: If you plan to add heavy objects such as a hot tub or outdoor kitchen to the deck, consult a professional deck contractor to assess if the deck can handle the additional weight.
Get Started with a Professional Deck Inspection
Do you require a professional deck inspection or deck repair services? CanaDeck’s professional deck contractors are here to help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation!
By scheduling a professional deck inspection and addressing potential repairs early on, you can ensure your outdoor space stays in top-notch shape year-round.