Deck and Foundation Maintenance – A To-Do Checklist

It’s important to perform home maintenance and repair on a regular basis to prevent problems from developing later. Use the checklist below to help you keep your home’s deck and foundation in good shape:

Check your deck for damage or rot every spring. Inspect the foundation, especially the ledger board where the deck attaches to the house. If you can poke screwdriver more than a quarter of an inch into the board, it is rotting. Re-fasten loose hangers and tighten loose bolts. Replace any decayed or weak boards and re-seal or re-stain as needed.

Once a year, clean your wood deck surface with a low-pressure washer.

Every three to five years, once your wood deck is clean and dry and all repairs have been made, use a linseed-oil-based deck stain for refinishing.

Nail pops on decks can injure bare feet. Remove and replace popped nails with screws. Check for weakened railings and boards and repair or replace them to prevent injury.

Check for damage caused by carpenter ants or termites. Look for piles that resemble sand and, if necessary, call an exterminator.

High moisture areas or standing water near your home can attract insects and other pests. Extend your gutter downspouts so that moisture is directed away from the foundation.

Use expanding spray-foam insulation to fill gaps and cracks around gas and water lines and dryer vents. This will keep out pests and save on energy.

Inspect your home’s foundation for signs of water infiltration or cracks twice a year and seal them. Add water to your foundation or yard during dry weather to prevent foundation damage and soil cracks. This video by Advanced Foundation Repair shows you how to water a foundation:

Make sure that water is flowing away from your foundation to prevent foundation damage and soil expansion during times of excessive moisture. Monitor cracks on a regular basis and see if they are expanding in size as this may indicate that foundation repair is needed.