"spiders might not leave reports, but their presence definitely tells you something about airflow and dampness."
Haha, true. Spiders and cobwebs are basically nature's moisture meters. I usually do a quick visual check every spring and fall, focusing on ledger bolts, joist hangers, and posts. Takes like 15 minutes tops—worth it for peace of mind.
Good point about the spiders—never thought of them as moisture detectors before, haha.
I just recently finished renovating my deck (first-time homeowner here, still figuring things out), and I learned pretty quickly how crucial these checks can be. When we first moved in, I noticed a bunch of cobwebs clustered around one corner. Didn’t think much of it until I tapped on the wood and felt that soft, hollow sound... turned out some boards were rotting from trapped moisture. Lesson learned the hard way.
Now, I do something similar to your spring-and-fall routine:
- Quick walk-around every few months.
- Check for loose or warped boards.
- Inspect fasteners and hardware for rust.
- Look underneath for any discoloration or mold spots.
It takes maybe 10-15 minutes tops, like you said, and honestly, it’s reassuring to know what shape things are in. Better to catch small issues early than deal with a bigger headache later.
"turned out some boards were rotting from trapped moisture. Lesson learned the hard way."
Yeah, been there myself... Curious though, do you also check the railing stability regularly? I overlooked mine at first, but loose railings can sneak up on you pretty quick.
Yeah, railings are sneaky like that... I remember one deck I worked on looked totally fine, but when I leaned on the railing, it shifted way more than it should've. Now I always give 'em a good shake test whenever I'm checking boards.
Haha, the good ol' shake test—can't beat it. Honestly, railings are like the quiet troublemakers of deck design. I've had clients swear up and down their deck was "totally solid," only to find myself wobbling around like a newborn giraffe when I leaned on the railing. It's always a bit awkward explaining that one...
But seriously, it's great you're checking regularly now. Decks can be sneaky, especially if they're older or exposed to harsh weather. I usually tell folks to give everything a quick once-over at least once a season—better safe than sorry, right? Plus, it gives you an excuse to hang out outside and pretend you're being productive. Win-win.
