Winter is winding down and spring is finally here! That’s great news for anyone who’s ready to spend more time outside. If you have a deck, you’re probably ready to get out there and start grilling, chilling, and soaking up the warmer weather. But first, it’s important to make sure your deck survived the winter no worse for wear! You can’t start using your deck until you know it’s safe and secure. So here are some spring deck inspection tips that will let you know your deck is ready to use!
Simple Deck Inspection Tips Anyone Can Do
You don’t need to be an expert carpenter or deck builder to know if your deck is ready to use for the spring and summer. All you have to do is follow these simple tips:
- Examine the surface of the deck. Here’s what to look for: warping, rotting, decaying, major cracking holes, and splintering. Any of these signs are a good indication that you need to do some work on your deck before it’s safe and ready to use.
- Check out the railings and banisters. Give them a little shake and wriggle! If they’re wobbly or feel weak, it’s time to replace them. Loose or weak railings are a huge safety hazard for anyone, but especially kids and pets.
- Take a peek at the ledger board. That’s the wood board that connects the deck to the house. Make sure all the bolts, screws, and nails are nice and tight. Also be sure to check for rusting or damage. These are all easily replaceable!
- Last, make sure the flashing is on tight. Flashing is that material near the ledger board that keeps out moisture. This prevents rotting and decay. Flashing should be tight, secure, and free of debris.
Need a Little Deck Work? Call Harmony Decking!
If you noticed any red flags in your spring deck inspection, don’t hesitate to call the deck experts at Harmony Decking! You’ll want to start using your deck ASAP, but you shouldn’t until it’s in tip-top shape. At Harmony Decking, we can assess any damage and help you fix or upgrade your deck at a reasonable price. To schedule a free consultation, call us at 215-290-7727 or fill out our online form. For more deck maintenance tips, check out our blog. Until then, happy spring!
