Do You Need A Deck Inspection?

Deck Inspection by Certified Inspectors

Whether you’ve built a deck yourself or hired a professional contractor, A deck inspection is essential to ensure the safety and longevity of this great home entertainment structure. Our International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI) and American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) certified inspectors are trained to inspect your deck for critical safety features and structural durability. We are proud to be certified by and affiliated with the North American Deck and Railing Association to promote safe building practices and deck safety A thorough deck inspection can help identify potential hazards such as loose railings, weakened boards, or improper connections that may compromise safety. By addressing these issues early, you can prevent costly repairs and ensure your deck remains a secure and enjoyable space for years to come.

For those constructing a new deck, our team is happy to provide guidance and share new construction inspection tips to help you build a structure that meets the highest safety standards from the ground up. Our team is dedicated to providing thorough inspection services for quality assurance, giving you peace of mind that your deck is built to last. From evaluating the condition of fasteners and railings to checking for signs of wood rot, we leave no detail overlooked. By prioritizing safety and durability, we aim to help you enjoy your outdoor space for years to come.

During the inspection, we assess everything from proper connections and hardware to the condition of decking materials, ensuring your deck is up to standard. For homeowners, following residential home inspection tips can help identify potential issues early and maintain the structural integrity of your deck over the years. Regular inspections and proper maintenance not only protect your investment but also provide peace of mind for you and your family.

Our Inspector will look for:

– Proper Attachment to Home
– Adequate Spacing for the Deck Boards
– Sufficient Bracing underneath
– Infill Spacing between Baluster
– Secure Posts and Soil Integrity
– Stair Treads and Graspable Handrails
– Safe Clearance from Power Line Electrical
– Lighting Features and more.

View the full Deck Inspection Standard at: ASHI Deck Inspection Standard

Deck Inspection - Things to Look Out For

We also perform inspections on balconies and patios to help ensure the maximum safety of these components of the home. Don’t let your outdoor gathering run the risk of being a potential disaster; schedule your stand-alone deck inspection at NextDay Inspect® today! You can schedule your inspection on our website at Schedule or Request a Quote

Things to keep an eye out for at your deck include but are not limited to Lag screws in ledger board, missing nails in joist hangers, rotted posts, weak post connections, deck wobbles, missing ledger flashing, loose railings.

No Lag Screws in Ledger Board

There are a lot of things that can go wrong with residential decks. If a ledger board is not well fastened, the deck could easily fall off the house. Building inspectors advise that for a safe connection, a deck must have lag screws or lag bolts installed to the ledger board.

Missing nails in Joist Hangers

It's a common misconception that joist hangers only need one nail to hold them in place. In reality, there are a lot of nails needed for a joist hanger to be secure. Without all the nails, the joist hanger will easily pull away from the ledger board or rim joist. Deck builders often put a couple of nails into the hangers to hold them in place then forget to add more later.

Rotten or Compromised Deck Posts

Decking posts that rest on the ground soak up water and then they rot. Older decks often have concrete footings that sit right on the ground and this causes pressure-treated posts to rot. When the post rots, it loses its strength and can't support the weight of the deck. Newer decks keep the concrete footings a few inches above ground and they use a special bracket to keep the deck posts from getting wet.

Wobbly or Shaking Deck

If your deck starts to shake as you walk across it, don't worry. This is a common issue and the shakes may not be that serious. However, sometimes the shaking can put a lot of stress on the fasteners and connectors. Over time, the joists can move away from the rim joist or ledger board, which will cause it to weaken. Fastening angle braces under the deck will help it stay stiff and take the stress off of the joists.

Missing Flashing on Deck Ledger board

The edges of a home should be watertight. The smallest leak can lead to mold inside the walls and the rim joist (support for a deck) will rot. Stand or crawl under the deck and look at the ledger board. If you don't see a metal or plastic lip over the top of the ledger board, add flashing. Flashing stops leaks from forming, which prevents mold from growing and wood from rotting.

Take a Look at a Sample Report

Get an idea of the format and items that would be listed under a Deck Inspection.