Is Your Deck Safe? A Homeowner's Checklist

Deck Safety Inspection Checklist

Deck collapses cause hundreds of injuries each year, many of which are preventable with regular inspection. Use this guide to evaluate your deck's safety.

Structural Components

Ledger Board:

• No visible rot or water damage
• Flashing present and intact
• No gaps between ledger and house
• Fasteners tight and corrosion-free

Posts:

• Plumb and not leaning
• No cracks at base or top
• Not embedded in concrete (should use post brackets)
• Firmly anchored to footings

Beams and Joists:

• No visible sagging
• No splits or cracks
• Proper joist hangers installed
• Hardware free of rust

Decking Surface

• No soft or spongy boards
• No excessive warping
• Fasteners secure and not protruding
• Gaps between boards consistent (not too wide)

Railings and Stairs

• Railings don't wobble when pushed
• Balusters spaced 4 inches or less apart
• Rail height at least 36 inches
• Stair treads secure and even
• Handrails graspable

Warning Signs That Need Immediate Attention

Call a professional if you find:

• Any sign of rot in structural members
• Corroded or missing connectors
• Posts that move when pushed
• Ledger pulling away from house
• Significant rust on hardware

When to Replace vs. Repair

Consider repair if:

• Issues are isolated to surface boards
• Structure is sound but cosmetically worn
• Deck is less than 15 years old
• Problems are caught early

Consider replacement if:

• Multiple structural issues present
• Deck is 20+ years old
• Original construction didn't meet code
• Repair costs exceed 50% of replacement

Free Safety Inspections

Pegasus Decking offers complimentary deck safety inspections for homeowners in the Raleigh area. We'll provide an honest assessment and recommendations – no pressure, no obligation.