After the brutally rough winter those across New England went through, everyone is ready to get outside and enjoy the warmer weather. It's important to keep in mind that the heavy snowfall was rough on your deck too.
Split or decaying wood is one of the first things one should look for when inspecting a deck.
Use an ice pick or screwdriver to determine if the wood is still sound. And make sure the structural beams haven't cracked or come loose.
New england decks carried the weight of the all that snow this winter and it may have weakened them.
"Some of the weight was was more than it had been designed for because when they design a deck from the codes and industry standards. It is made for specific pound per square foot, so ... I think we exceeded that this year so some of the structural members that hold it up might have been compromised," Jay Rizzo of Tiger Home Inspections said.
Tighten any loose fasteners, replace corroded ones and pound in any nails that have popped up.
One should also push on the railings and banisters to make sure they are secure.
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Deck collapses can happen and cause serious injuries.
One may want to consider a professional deck inspection, especially if you have an older deck. Many of them were built before code requirements were established to protect consumers.
