A deck can be a wonderful extension of your home, but since it’s exposed to the elements year-round, it requires regular attention to stay both functional and safe. Here’s how to make sure your deck is in the best possible shape: Check the railing and supports. If your deck is elevated, the railing is one of its most critical safety features. Once a year, give it a gentle shake to make sure it feels sturdy. Any looseness, wobbling, or movement indicates that fasteners or structural connections may have failed. You should also check for signs of dry rot, rusted bolts or weakened posts—these are early warnings that repairs are needed. Inspect the deck boards and framing. Deck boards endure constant exposure to sun, rain and temperature changes, which can cause them to warp or rot over time. Walk slowly across your deck and pay attention to how the boards feel underfoot. If you notice any soft spots, cracking or sagging, the affected boards may be deteriorating. Don’t forget to look at the framing underneath your deck—any discolored, spongy or crumbling wood should be replaced as soon as possible. Know your deck’s age. Newer decks built with modern, pressure-treated lumber or composite materials generally hold up well and may only need to be inspected every few years. However, if your deck is over 20 years old, it deserves closer attention. Over time, fasteners can corrode, wood can weaken and connections can fail. A professional inspection can help you catch issues before they become safety risks.

How to Ensure the Safety of Your Deck

By Nick Thompson CEO of Thompson Construction, Inc. Diamond Certified Expert Contributor

How to Fix a Swinging Door

How to Spot Water Leaks Inside Your Home

Video: Ensuring the Safety of Your Deck

Video: Exterior Home Inspection 101

Video: Finding Water Leaks in Your Home

Video: Solving a Swinging Door Problem

if you have a door that swings even
after you've opened or closed it there
is a solution to solve this problem
today we're in Hillsburg with diamond
certified expert contributor Dennis
Thompson of Thompson Construction to
learn his solution to a swinging door
well in some situations people have
doors that swing either closed or open
when they don't want them to and that's
very frustrating of of course the you
know the permanent way to fix that is to
take the door out and reset it but a
real simple way and in most cases we'll
fix the problem uh is this you close the
door you take one of the pins out of the
hinge by just tapping it up and removing
it put it on a piece of wood and with a
hammer bend it in the middle and you put
it back in the hinge and it creates
enough resistance in most cases that
will make the door stay closed or open
you may have to do both or all three
hinges depending on how how much the
door is swinging but typically that will
take care of your
problem to learn more from local top
rated companies visit our Diamond
certified expert reports at experts.
Diamond certified. org