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Deck pulling away, loose railing or bad post.

A licensed contractor should do repairs, and a structural engineer should review anything beyond a standard deck table.

Customers put it like this

  • deck is pulling away from the house
  • railing is loose
  • deck sways when you walk on it
  • want to put a hot tub on the deck
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Stop first if

  • The deck is pulling away, racks underfoot, or a post has lost bearing.Keep everyone off it and out from under it. Call a structural engineer or licensed contractor now.
  • A hot tub, planters or other heavy load is planned.Hold off until an engineer reviews it.
01

Ask on the call

5

Homeowner? These are the questions a good technician will ask you. Having the answers ready makes the first visit count.

  1. Is the deck moving or pulling away from the house?
  2. How old is it, and was it permitted?
  3. Does it hold a hot tub, planters or stairs?
  4. Do you see rust on hangers or fasteners?
  5. Is the wood soft near the house or at the posts?
02

Bring

5
  • Pick or screwdriver
  • Moisture meter
  • Tape measure
  • Level
  • Phone for photos
03

Check on site

6
  1. From below, look at how the ledger ties to the house.
  2. Count filled hanger holes, and check fastener size and finish.
  3. Grade visible rust from staining to flaking and section loss.
  4. Probe the ledger, band and post ends for decay.
  5. Check posts and footings for lost bearing or wet ground.
  6. List loads, levels and spans for an engineer.
04

Keep on the record

4
  • Photos of ledger connection and hangers
  • Rust and decay notes
  • Spans, levels and loads
  • Post and footing condition

General guidance for a qualified person, not a finding about any home. The person on site decides.