At a recent home inspection in Anacortes, I recently discovered beetle exit holes in one of the deck support posts. When I probed the post, my screw driver went directly into the heart of the post! I discovered several other deteriorated posts and beams, together with some unconventional deck construction practices, which warranted further evaluation and repair by a contractor for safety reasons
Tag Archives: deck inspection
Unsecure deck joists
It’s all too common to find metal deck joist hardware that isn’t fully fastened or nailed. How much extra effort does it take to pound in a few more nails and allow the hardware to serve its intended purpose? This is a simple, but necessary, fix. This was discovered at a home inspection in Friday Harbor on San Juan Island.
Video: Deteriorated post brackets
Deteriorated and corroding post-to-base metal hardware brackets at deck systems should be replaced for safety reasons as they no longer serve their intended purpose. This was discovered at a recent home inspection on Orcas Island in the San Juan Islands. When metal brackets begin to rust and corrode, painting with an exterior metal paint will help prolong serviceable life. Once they’re deteriorated, however, they’re clearly compromised and require replacement. Continue reading
Photo: Wood structure damage
This is a classic example of earth-wood contact leading to deterioration and insect activity that I discovered at a recent home inspection in Friday Harbor on San Juan Island. Pictured here is a deck baluster and pressure-treated stair stringer, both of which are deteriorated where they are in contact with the ground. Elevated moisture conditions lead to WDO (wood destroying organism) activity, e.g., carpenter ants, anobiid beetles, termites, rot fungus, etc. I always recommend keeping all exterior elements clear and free of the ground and landscaping elements to help prevent insect and water damage.
VIDEO: Siding Damage Adjacent Deck
Tim Hance with All Islands Home Inspections discovers water damaged siding where it abuts the deck at a recent home inspection and discusses importance of keeping this interface flashed/sealed to prevent siding damage (and the possibility of underlying structural damage). All Islands Home Inspections services all of Anacortes, the San Juan Islands, Skagit, Whatcom, Island, San Juan, and Snohomish counties. If you’re looking for a home inspector that’s so thorough and experienced that you won’t get stuck buying the “Money Pit,” then you need All Islands Home Inspections working for you! We’ve inspected over 8,000 homes to date and feel we are simply the best in the industry. We look forward to working with you soon, THANKS!
VIDEO: Dangerous settled deck support posts
Tim Hance with All Islands Home Inspections recently discovered dangerous, settled support posts, subsequently unprofessionally repaired, at a home inspection in the San Juan Islands. This issue was referred to a qualified contractor for further evaluation and repair prior to closing for obvious safety reasons. Thanks for watching!