Dave mentioned the two major deck collapses that recently were in the news. As an inspector, he checks decks very closely. What he looks for includes the following:
- Anchored well for stability
- Sufficient support for expected load
- Beam to increase load capacity
- Deterioration of wood
- Insect infestations
- Loose railings
- Spindle spacing < 4 inches
Decks, of course, are only one of the many systems he Inspects during a full home inspection.