Deck Safety Tips: What You Need to Inspect Each Season

Decks allow homeowners throughout Westmoreland County to maximize their enjoyment of the area’s natural beauty and of each distinct season. However, keeping your deck in excellent condition is a key safety concern. Several safety tips can help you keep your outdoor space in tip-top condition. And one of the most important is consulting with our experienced Westmoreland County deck experts at KSL Roofing and Remodeling early on.

Your Inspection Checklist

Westmoreland County experiences four separate seasons, and while each has its own allure, they can all do a number on your deck. This makes it a good idea to put careful thought into how your deck is holding up at the change of each season.

The primary concerns you should be paying attention to fall into basic categories.

Your Deck’s Foundation and Undercarriage

When it comes to analyzing your deck for safety, it’s a good idea to consider it from the ground up.

Footings and Posts

A good place to begin is with your deck’s footings and posts. The support posts should sit squarely and firmly on raised footings that keep them off the ground and help to prevent the rot caused by moisture. Any cracks or signs of twisting are a concern.

Joists and Beams 

Next up are your deck’s joists and beams. Shining a light on them will help you spot any sagging, splitting lumber, damage caused by insects, soft spots, or anything else that strikes you as being off.

You should also check to ensure that your deck remains firmly attached to your home, as applicable. This means that the ledger board, or attachment device, shows no signs of water damage, separation, or gapping.

Your Deck’s Flashing and Connections

The metal flashing over your deck’s ledger board should remain securely attached and should continue to funnel water out and away from your siding. You should also be on the lookout for any rusting or corrosion on the bolts, connectors, and joist hangers. Now is the right time to tighten up any structural anchors or bolts that have loosened over time.

Your Deck’s Railings and Stairs

Your deck’s railings, stairs, and balusters are also of primary importance. Each of these should remain firmly in place with no visible signs of wear, shifting, or loosening.

Call in the Professionals

If your seasonal inspections turn up any cause for concern, it’s time to call in trusted deck pros. If everything looks good on your end, you’re still well advised to schedule annual professional inspections. This is especially important if your deck is more than 10 years old or gets regular use.

Schedule an Inspection with Our Capable Westmoreland County Deck Specialists Today

Our dedicated Westmoreland County deck experts at KSL Roofing and Remodeling want you to continue enjoying your deck well into the future. And we have the experience and ability to help make that happen and to bolster your family’s safety in the process. Learn more by contacting us online or giving us a call at 724-539-1200 today.