May is set aside each year as Deck Safety Month. Spring is the perfect time to have our Missouri home renovation company come out to your home and perform a yearly deck inspection. The deck is where you and your family and friends will spend a lot time this summer, so an inspection now from Midwest Renovation will spot possible problems to avoid bigger, costly ones down the road. 

Time can take its toll on even the most well-built homes. Proper maintenance and early detection of wear and tear are the best way to keep your house in tip-top shape. This month we are focusing on a few things to keep an eye out for to make sure your deck is ready for a busy summer. 

Deck inspections require special knowledge, expertise, and experience, but the following checklist will give you a few things to keep an eye on. If you spot a problem, give our mid-Missouri construction company a call right away. 

#1 - Split or Decaying Wood
Take a good look at every inch of your deck, especially areas that remain damp or are regularly exposed to water. If you can break off pieces and no splinters are present, or if the wood is soft and spongy, that a sure sign that decay has set into that area. 

Other important areas to keep an eye on are the points where the deck attaches to the house (the ledger) and the posts and joists supporting the deck underneath. 

#2 - Flashing
One of the most common problems that a deck can have is with the flashing. This is a metal or plastic guard installed where the deck connects to the house. It is there to direct water away from the home, keeping moisture and other debris away from the deck's ledger. If you notice any spots where water is obviously getting through the flashing, it's time to replace it. 

#3 - Loose or Corroded Fasteners
The nails, screws, and anchors in a deck should show no sign of any type of rust or corrosion. If they do, this could begin deteriorating the wood around them. No fasteners should be popping out of the wood either. These will need to be pounded back in to keep everything fastened together securely as it should be.

#4 - Stairs
Decayed wood on the stairs is a very dangerous thing. They could easily give way when someone is walking up or down, causing great injury. The risers and stringers should be securely attached, and so should any railings or handrails. Also, if the area behind each stair is open, that opening should be no more than 4" high. If it is, you will want to have that adjusted for safety reasons. Another matter dealing with safety is keeping the pathway clear of planters and other items that could easily trip someone. 

#5 - Railings & Banisters
As with the stairs, check that all railings and banisters surrounding the deck are secure, especially if your deck is on a second floor or higher. These are meant to keep you safe from falling, and even the slightest looseness could be a problem. 



Those first five things to check on your deck deal with the materials it is made out of. Next week, we will take a look at the items on and surrounding the deck that could cause trouble if not maintained properly. Please keep in mind that these tips are meant to help you recognize possible problems, but a certified inspection is the only way to know for sure that everything is up to code. 

Our home renovation company servicing all of Missouri is happy to come out and take care of an inspection for you. Inspections and estimates are always done at no cost or obligation to you. You can request a quote directly from the Midwest Renovation website, or simply give us a call at 1-866-230-5415 to get one scheduled. We'll make sure your deck is ready for a summer full of fun! Watch for part 2 of our deck safety checklist next week.