Deck failures in Upstate NY almost never happen because the boards gave out. They happen at the ledger — the board bolting your deck to the house. Here's the inspection we run on every deck we're called out to look at.
1. The ledger is nailed, not bolted
Look under the deck where it meets the house. You should see through-bolts or structural screws in a staggered pattern, plus metal flashing tucked under the siding. If you see only nails, the deck is living on borrowed time.
2. Soft or spongy boards
Press a screwdriver into the decking near the ends and around fasteners. If it sinks easily, the board is rotted. A few boards is a repair; widespread softness means the framing below is probably wet too.
3. Wobbly railings
Push hard on the railing. Code requires it to resist 200 pounds of force. If it moves, the post connections have failed — a common and dangerous defect on decks over ten years old.
4. Heaved or sinking footings
Frost heave is the Capital Region's specialty. If one corner of the deck sits noticeably higher or lower than it did, the footing wasn't set below frost depth.
5-7. Rust, rot, and repair vs. replace
Rusted joist hangers, black staining on framing, and mushroom-like growth all indicate long-term moisture. If the framing, ledger, and footings are sound, repair typically costs 40-60% of a replacement. Once two of those three are compromised, replacement is the better investment.
Frequently asked questions
- How often should a deck be inspected?
- Annually, ideally each spring after the snow clears.
- Can a rotted deck be saved?
- Often yes, if the rot is limited to surface boards. Rot in the ledger, posts, or beam usually means replacement.
