Deck Inspections: Facts

deck inspection tips
Getting your deck inspected can prevent larger headaches in the future.

Did you know that roughly 40% of all the decks in America are deemed safe? When you add in the fact there are an estimated 40 million decks that are over 20 years old and you quickly realize becoming a statistic is a real possibility for many homes.

Just like every aspect of your home needs to be solidly and correctly built, so does your deck. Even though decks appear to be simple and straightforward structures, you should consider them to be a rooms without walls or a roof. It’s an outdoor space that needs to be planted in strong foundations.

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Deck Maintenance – How to Prevent Mold

Keeping your deck clean will keep it from looking like this.
I looked all over for moldy hardwood decks, but all I could find were composite decks like this one.

Unfortunately mold is something that we have to deal with. Mold is everywhere, all the time, but only under the right conditions can it cause a threat. While mold itself is not always bad (think of it as nature’s way of recycling), it can be detrimental to older decks made of soft wood and composites.

Mold only needs a few things to grow: food, such as dirt and pollen, water, and favorable weather conditions. When these three elements are all met, the mold begins to have a feast on whatever it’s sitting on.

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A Safer, Longer-Lasting Deck in 5 Easy Steps

It is important to build your deck to code and to maintain it after installation to ensure that it stays structurally sound and safe for you and guests. Here are some quick tips to ensure a secure surface to entertain the ones you love! 1. Monitor Your Deck Exposure to the elements, improper maintenance and …

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Is Hardwood Railing a Safe Choice for Your Family’s Deck?

When your deck railings get old and worn, they start to become weak and dangerous. That is, if you’re your railings are made of anything but hardwood. And I’m willing to bet that when it comes to your family, you want safety. This means that in order to ensure your family and guests stay safe …

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Deck Restoration Products – Saving Grace, or Lipstick on a Pig?

If your car looked like this, would you just paint it or purchase a new one?
If your car looked like this, would you just paint it or purchase a new one?

Every so often new decking products come on the market. These products always claim to be the “perfect solution,” and the last item you’ll ever need. While some products really do live up the hype, there are still plenty that fall short of their claims.

Over the years there has been an increasing number of homeowners using deck coating products to salvage their rickety old pressure treated decks.  Here’s some interesting things to consider before you decide to paint your deck with these new coating products.

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The 7 Deadly Sins of Deck Building: #6 Sloth

When a company advertises their decking product as “no maintenance,” it’s far from the truth. There is a difference between “no maintenance” and “low maintenance.” Neither one of these mean you can neglect your deck altogether. Being lazy without routine maintenance could just be a recipe for disaster. If you are unsure about the safety …

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