Is Your Deck Safe? 

 Now is the time to take a serious look at your deck system.   Is it safe to use?  We recommend a thorough and comprehensive examination of your deck before you decide to host a party where there will be a large group of people on the deck.   The higher your deck is raised from the ground, the more diligent you should be in inspecting it.   Look at the way in which it is bolted into the wall.  Are there enough bolts supporting it, at least one every 12 inches.  Are the floor joists properly supported and making good contact to the banding boards?  What condition are the post supports in?  Are they warped, twisted, split, rotting, rusting if metal, attached correctly, positioned properly?   How about the decking boards.  Will they hold the weight, are they nailed in place, rotted and or deteriorating?   What about the stairs?  Do they move from side to side, is there a proper handrail system, are the stairs secure?   If you are not sure of what you are looking at, then consider hiring the services of a professional inspector.   Be safe, inspect your deck.