I try to check mine every spring—kind of a habit I got into after dealing with some rental properties. You'd be amazed how quickly things can deteriorate, especially after a rough winter.
"Then I check for moisture buildup or rot by poking gently with a screwdriver; if it sinks in easily, you might have trouble."
Yeah, this is a great tip. I also look out for warped or sagging boards... those can sneak up on you. Better safe than sorry, right?
Good call on checking for warped boards—those can definitely creep up on you. I learned that the hard way a few years back. Thought my deck was solid until my foot went straight through a soft spot one afternoon... not fun. Now I do a quick walk-around every spring, tapping boards and checking railings. Takes maybe 15 minutes tops, but it's worth it for peace of mind.
That's a solid routine you've got there. One thing I've noticed people overlook is the hardware—bolts, screws, joist hangers—those can rust or loosen quietly over time. Do you typically inspect or replace hardware during your annual check, or just focus on the boards and railings?
"One thing I've noticed people overlook is the hardware—bolts, screws, joist hangers—those can rust or loosen quietly over time."
This is so true. A few years back, I was helping a friend redo their deck, and at first glance, everything looked decent—boards were solid, railings seemed sturdy enough. But once we started pulling things apart, we found several joist hangers and bolts that were badly rusted and barely holding on. Ever since then, I always make it a point to check hardware closely during inspections. It's surprising how quickly corrosion can sneak up on you...
But once we started pulling things apart, we found several joist hangers and bolts that were badly rusted and barely holding on.
That's a really good point about hardware. People often assume if the wood looks fine, everything else must be too. I remember a client who had a beautifully maintained deck surface, but underneath was another story—rusted screws and brackets that were barely holding things together. It's always worth taking a flashlight and checking underneath every now and then, especially after harsh winters or rainy seasons. Better safe than sorry...
