

Fall is the best time to perform an inspection of your deck. With the seasons changing and colder weather on the horizon, you will want to make sure you have done everything possible to ensure your deck is ready to face the upcoming winter weather.
If you choose to perform this inspection yourself, all you will need is a knife or small screwdriver to probe for wood decay along with a flashlight. Be sure to check underneath the deck as well as the top. During your inspection you will want to look for any signs of insect damage or decay. Use your knife to see how extensive any possible damage might be. If your knife easily penetrates the wood, it’s likely you have some amount of decay.
Specific areas you will want to check thoroughly will be where your deck joists are attached to your home. Up top, make sure to check for loose nails, split wood, or any signs that you might need to refinish. Overall, be as thorough as possible. If in doubt, contact your local BuildMeADeck.com deck builder, deck contractor or patio builder to help determine how extensive your deck decay is and decide on the best course of action.