I definitely notice more issues popping up after storms too. Last summer, we had a pretty intense thunderstorm roll through—heavy rain, wind gusts, the whole deal. I thought my deck was in great shape since I'd just done my usual spring inspection, but afterward, I found a couple of boards had loosened up and one railing was noticeably shaky. It surprised me because everything had seemed perfectly solid just a few weeks earlier.
Since then, I've adjusted my routine a bit. I still do the annual spring check, but now I also make it a habit to do a quick inspection after any significant weather event. It doesn't take long—just a quick walk around, checking for loose screws, warped boards, or any signs of water damage. Honestly, it's saved me from bigger headaches down the line.
One thing I've learned from remodeling projects is that decks can be sneaky. Issues aren't always obvious at first glance, especially if you're dealing with wood that's been exposed to moisture repeatedly. Sometimes the damage is subtle—like slight warping or hidden rot beneath the surface. So it's worth taking a few extra minutes to really look closely after storms.
Also, if you're noticing frequent issues after weather events, it might be worth considering some preventative measures. For example, sealing or staining your deck regularly can help protect against moisture damage and extend its lifespan significantly. I've switched to eco-friendly sealants myself—they're effective and better for the environment too.
Anyway, you're definitely not alone in noticing storm-related deck issues. It's always better to catch these things early before they become bigger (and more expensive) problems down the road...
Had a similar experience with my porch last fall—thought everything was solid until a storm revealed some hidden rot near the steps. Now I check more often, especially after heavy rains. Decks can definitely fool you if you're not careful...
Went through something similar a couple years back. Bought a rental property with a deck that passed inspection just fine. Looked solid, felt sturdy, no obvious issues. Then one day, a tenant called about a loose railing. Figured it was minor, but when I checked it out, discovered the wood beneath was completely rotted—hidden by fresh paint from the previous owner. Pretty eye-opening moment.
Since then, I've made it a habit to thoroughly inspect decks at least twice a year and always after major weather events. It's surprising how quickly moisture damage can spread unnoticed, especially in shaded or less visible areas. One thing I've learned: never trust appearances alone. A screwdriver or awl to poke around suspect areas can save you a lot of headaches down the line...
"Since then, I've made it a habit to thoroughly inspect decks at least twice a year and always after major weather events."
Twice a year seems a bit excessive to me, honestly. I get the caution, especially after your experience with hidden rot (fresh paint hiding damage is unfortunately common), but realistically, if a deck is properly built and maintained, once a year should be sufficient. I've had my deck for over ten years now, and I usually do one thorough inspection each spring—checking for loose boards, railings, and signs of moisture damage. Haven't had any major issues yet.
I do agree about using a screwdriver or awl to probe suspect areas though; visual checks alone can definitely miss hidden problems. But inspecting after every major storm or weather event? That might be overkill unless you're in an area prone to extreme conditions. Regular sealing and proper drainage go a long way toward preventing moisture buildup in the first place...
I get where you're coming from, but honestly, twice a year doesn't sound too crazy to me. Maybe I'm just paranoid after seeing my neighbor's deck collapse a few years back (thankfully no one was hurt, but the grill didn't survive, RIP burgers). Ever since then, I've been a bit obsessive about checking mine—especially after heavy rains or snow melts. You'd be surprised how quickly moisture can sneak in and cause trouble.
But yeah, I agree that proper sealing and drainage are key. If you stay on top of maintenance, once a year might be enough for most people. Still, better safe than sorry, right? Plus, poking around with a screwdriver is oddly satisfying...or maybe that's just me being weird. Either way, props to OP for being proactive—deck safety isn't something you wanna gamble on.
