Deck building tips and tricks. Discussion about wood and much more!
So, you’re planning on rejuvenating your deck for the summer? Before you start making your deck beautiful again, take time to make sure it’s safe. Your number one concern should be providing a structurally sound surface for your friends and family.
Always follow local building codes when inspecting your deck and use proper safety gear to protect yourself.
May is Deck Safety Month, making it the perfect time to fix up your deck. Getting started now will give you enough time to finish projects before the summer parties hit.
Safety is a vital aspect of your deck. After the winter snow and the spring rain, your deck needs to be inspected for out-of-place or broken components. Doing this now rather than later will give you ample time to order new material and fix any problems.
Spring is here and that means doing inspecting your deck! Catching small problems early is key to having a long-lasting deck and preventing any serious problems from developing.
Fall has arrived and winter is knocking at the door. A lot of times we shut the doors and focus on what are we going to do in order to stay warm and cozy and don’t even think about our outdoor spaces.
Believe it or not, this time is very crucial in the maintenance of your deck especially if you want it to continue looking beautiful for those warmer spring and summer months. It’s pivotal that you sweep off dead leaves and wash down your deck from time to time. Leaves that are left on the deck can wind up in between each deck board. This can then continue to accumulate and develop into a serious drainage problem when the snow begins to pile on or the rain starts to pour. How bad of a drainage problem? Water can begin to collect on the surface of the board, and with nowhere to go, can lead to the cupping and warping of your deck boards.
Traditionally, deck stairs land directly on a patio made of concrete, stone, or a material other than soil to prevent rot and decay. These landings can shift freely with frost movement. Frost movement is the rise and fall of the soil due to underground water freezing and expanding. Recently there have been some concerns regarding frost movement and the stair’s ability to withstand the fluctuations. Typically, stairs have more freedom of movement than the deck, but some builders argue the stairs should be supported just like the deck. This topic is a grey area because it all depends on each deck’s situation.
Every building inspector needs the correct tools and safety equipment to properly check decks. Without these tools, they wouldn’t be able to tell if your deck is sound, or if it needs some attention. It’s beneficial for homeowners to have the same tools as these inspectors so they can properly check their deck themselves. While some inspectors carry more than enough tools, homeowners can find what they need around the house.
Girders and joists are an integral part of your deck. They work in harmony to support the entire walking area. Because these connections are so important, you need to inspect that they were both properly installed, and properly fastened.