The Deck Check List!

          A couple of times a year we hear in the news about a deck falling down. It seems to always happen during a party. The deck is loaded with people, every body's having a good time - boom.
          Summer will be here before you know it and you'll be out on your deck enjoying that nice spring weather. If your deck is over 10 years old we recommend you get a Deck Inspection. Depending on how long ago it was built, the standards may have changed quite a bit, we can give you all the up to date code requirements, and building techniques.
If it was  built using improper, or inferior materials we can help you with any repair, or replacement recommendations. Is your deck framing materials the right size for the deck you have? Was the beam placed at the right distance from the ledger. Is the ledger attached correctly. Do you have the right size joists? These are all questions we can answer.
There are two main areas or ways of inspection: Visual and for Building standards.
         You need a visual inspection for items like split or decaying wood, loose attachments, rusted fastening systems, corroded fasteners, posts rotted at the ground connection, rotted railings, raised nail heads...
          You will need a code inspection to make sure your deck meets all the residential building structure standards. Items like Ledger board attachment, post footings, double shear nailing hangers, correct size nails, Stair stringers, Lateral support in the joisting system, Guard rail heights, graspable handrails, handrail returns...
          Click this link for a through, detailed Deck Inspection, from Superior Services Deck and Fence! They will take pictures and provide a written detailed report with their recommendations.