Why it matters
Safety criticalThis task protects people, not just the house. Do it on a schedule to make sure it gets done.
Staying on schedule matters beyond the repair bill: a consistent maintenance record is one of the factors in a home's Roots Home Health Score, and well-kept homes typically sell faster and closer to asking price.
How to do it
The ledger board bolts the deck to the house, and its failure is the leading cause of deck collapses. A yearly check of the ledger, fasteners, and boards keeps the deck safe to stand on.
- Check the ledger connection: look for proper lag bolts or through-bolts (not just nails) and for flashing above it keeping water out.
- Probe the ledger, joists, posts, and boards with a screwdriver for soft, rotten wood, especially where it meets the house.
- Confirm railings and stairs are solid and the post connections are tight.
- Tighten loose fasteners and flag any rot or an under-built ledger for a pro.
Alternatives & optional extras
- Decks built before modern codes often used nails at the ledger; retrofitting proper bolts and flashing is a serious safety upgrade.
- A bouncy or swaying deck signals under-built framing or connections; keep people off until it's evaluated.
Time: 30 minutes · Typical cost: Free to inspect
DIY to inspect. Ledger, framing, and structural repairs are a job for a deck professional.
If you skip it
A failing ledger or rotten framing can drop a loaded deck without warning, which is why this is a safety check, not just upkeep.
Other deck / patio maintenance
- Reseal or restain deck — every 2 years
Related systems to keep on schedule
- Irrigation / sprinklers — start with: winterize irrigation system, once a year, ideally in October
- Pool / spa — start with: clean pool filter, once a month
- Fence — start with: inspect fence posts and boards, once a year
- Driveway — start with: seal driveway cracks, once a year, ideally in June