Deck Safety: What Every Homeowner Should Know
As the weather warms up, decks become a favorite spot for family gatherings, barbecues, and relaxing evenings. But while you’re enjoying the view, there’s one question you may not be asking yourself: Is my deck safe?
At The BrickKicker, we’ve inspected hundreds of homes and decks, and we’ve seen firsthand how a seemingly sturdy structure can hide serious safety concerns. The truth is, deck failures are more common than most homeowners realize, and many are entirely preventable.
Why Deck Safety Matters
Deck collapses often make the news for a reason: they can cause serious injuries and property damage. According to the North American Deck and Railing Association (NADRA), there are millions of decks in the U.S. that are past their expected service life of 10–15 years. That’s why routine inspections and maintenance aren’t just smart, but essential.
Common Deck Issues We Find During Inspections
Here are some of the most common safety hazards we uncover during home inspections:
- Loose or Improper Ledger Board Attachment
The ledger board is what attaches your deck to the house. If it’s not securely fastened or flashed properly, it can pull away over time, leading to catastrophic failure. - Rotting or Decaying Wood
Exposure to the elements can cause wood to deteriorate, especially if it’s untreated or improperly maintained. Rotted support posts, beams, or joists compromise the entire structure. - Inadequate or Missing Flashing
Flashing keeps water from seeping into the house where the deck connects. Missing or damaged flashing can lead to moisture damage and hidden rot. - Wobbly Railings or Loose Balusters
Railings should be solid enough to withstand force. Loose or deteriorating railings are a major fall risk, especially for children and older adults. - Improper Hardware or Fasteners
Decks should be built using galvanized or stainless-steel hardware to prevent corrosion. We often find rusted nails or screws that have lost their holding power. - Unsupported or Over-spanned Joists
Overly long spans between supports can lead to sagging and eventual collapse. Proper spacing and support are critical to a safe deck.
Signs Your Deck Might Need an Inspection
- It’s more than 10 years old and hasn’t been professionally inspected
- You notice loose boards, wobbly railings, or soft spots in the wood
- There’s visible rust on fasteners or brackets
- The deck seems to slope or bounce underfoot
Our Approach to Deck Inspections
When we inspect a deck, we don’t just look at surface-level issues, we examine the entire structure. This includes the connection points, support posts, framing hardware, stairs, railings, and the condition of the decking material.
Stay Safe: Schedule a Deck Inspection
Whether you’re buying a home with a deck or you’ve lived in your home for years, a professional deck inspection can give you peace of mind. At The BrickKicker, our certified inspectors are trained to spot red flags before they become real problems.
Decks are meant to be enjoyed, not worried about. Let us help make sure yours is safe, secure, and ready for your next get-together.