Inspect deck and patio

Perform a thorough structural and surface inspection of your deck to catch rot, loose boards, and connection problems before they become dangerous.

Why it matters#

Deck collapses cause serious injuries and deaths every year, and most failures could have been prevented with regular inspection. The ledger board—where your deck attaches to your house—is the most critical and commonly failed connection point. Catching rot and structural problems early can save you from a $15,000+ rebuild or worse.

What you'll need#

Tools#

• Flathead screwdriver (for probing)
• Flashlight
• Level
• Tape measure
• Camera or phone

Safety gear#

• Work gloves
• Safety glasses

Steps#

1. Clear and visually scan the deck surface#

Remove furniture, planters, and grills. Walk the entire surface, looking for obvious damage: cracked boards, popped nails, discoloration, or areas that look different from the rest. Note anything suspicious.

2. Perform the screwdriver test on structural wood#

Push a screwdriver firmly into posts, joists, and any wood touching the ground or concrete. If it sinks more than ¼ inch easily, you've found rot. Focus on areas where water might collect or splash.

3. Inspect the ledger board (critical)#

The ledger board attaches your deck to your house—it's the most important connection. Look for proper bolts (not just nails), metal flashing above the ledger, and no gaps or separation from the house. If you don't see bolts and flashing, they're probably not there.

4. Check railings and stairs for stability#

Grab railings firmly and shake them—they should resist about 200 pounds of force without wobbling. Loose railings are a major safety hazard. Test each stair tread and riser for movement or bounce.

5. Examine hardware and connections#

Look at all visible joist hangers, brackets, and connectors. Every nail hole should be filled. Check for rust, corrosion, or missing fasteners. Even good galvanized hardware will rust eventually.

6. Inspect from below (if accessible)#

If you can see under your deck, check joists for sagging, cracking, or rot. Look for water damage patterns. Verify all connections are solid and no boards are pulling away from supports.

7. Test the finish with water#

Pour a small amount of water on the deck surface. If it beads up, your finish is intact. If it soaks in, it's time to reseal or restain—typically every 2-3 years for wood decks.

Pro tips#

• Inspect your deck twice yearly—spring (for winter damage) and fall (before winter)
• Keep debris clear from between deck boards; trapped moisture accelerates rot
• For composite decks, look for scratches, mold in shaded areas, and sagging between joists—composites are low-maintenance, not no-maintenance

Warnings#

• Do not walk on deck sections that feel bouncy, soft, or obviously compromised—structural failure can happen suddenly
• Watch for wasp and bee nests underneath decks, especially in spring and summer

When to call a pro#

Call a deck contractor or structural inspector immediately for any ledger board concerns, posts with rot, visible separation from the house, significant bounce or movement, or if you're unsure about what you're seeing. Deck safety is not worth gambling on—professionals can quickly tell you if repairs are needed or if your deck is solid.