The Inside Outside Guys ~ Annual Deck Inspections are an Important Step

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The Inside Outside Guys

September 11, 2023

From The Detroit News | By Ken Calverley and Chuck Breidenstein

DETROIT, September 8, 2023 ~ Have you ever walked on an outside wooden surface and wondered if it’s safe?

Whether a step, front porch, or deck surface, it’s natural to have concerns about its safety.

Wet wooden surfaces can be very slippery.

If not built and maintained properly, wooden steps, porches, and decks can pose a risk to your health. In fact, thousands of injuries and deaths occur each year due to faulty construction and lack of maintenance.

The higher a deck is off the ground, the greater the chance of injury if something goes wrong. Therefore, it’s crucial to ensure the structural integrity of your deck to prevent accidents and maintain its longevity.

PODCAST:

September 10, 2023 ~ Chuck “The Inside Guy” Breidenstein and Ken “The Outside Guy” Calverly offer the knowledge and resources you need to make the home of your dreams a reality. Catch them every Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to noon on 760 WJR.

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We love our decks in Michigan, as they provide a wonderful outdoor space for relaxation and entertainment with family and friends. However, it’s important to regularly inspect your deck or porch for stability issues and potential hazards.

By following a few simple steps, you can help to ensure that the deck is safe and secure for everyone to enjoy.

Assess the deck surface: Start your inspection by checking the deck surface for any soft areas or flexing. These can indicate rotting or weakened material or even fasteners that have let go. To further investigate, use an ice pick or a small Phillips screwdriver to gently probe for rotten or punky wood or composites. If you find any such areas, they should be promptly repaired or replaced.

Examine the deck-structure connection: Pay close attention to the point where the deck meets the structure of your home. A board called a ledger is commonly connected to the house at this point. Ensure that it is properly secured and flashed, as debris accumulation in this area can lead to premature wood decay. Use a screwdriver and a leaf blower to remove any debris lodged between the deck and the structure. This simple maintenance task can significantly extend the lifespan of your deck.

The mechanical connections at this point are also critical. Galvanized metal hangars should help support the joists and either stainless steel or appropriate zinc fasteners should be used for all connections.

Check railing stability: While inspecting the railings, look for any signs of movement or flexing. Loose fasteners can compromise the safety of these guard rails. Inspect, repair, and tighten any loose railing fasteners to ensure stability.

For housing advice and more, listen to “The Inside Outside Guys” every Saturday and Sunday on 760 WJR from 10 a.m. to noon, or contact them at InsideOutsideGuys.com.