In Southeastern North Carolina, our decks work overtime. They aren't just architectural features; they are our dining rooms, our party venues, and our quiet coffee spots. But after a long season of hurricanes, humidity, and salt spray, your outdoor living space needs a physical.

Winter is the perfect time for a "Deck Check." The humidity is lower, the bugs are gone, and you can spot structural issues before the spring entertaining season begins. Whether you are a seller getting ready to list in New Hanover or an investor protecting a rental in Onslow, here is your safety checklist for the coastal climate.

1. The "Pick Test" for Wood Rot

Our region’s combination of heat and moisture is a recipe for rot, especially in softwoods like pine.

Where to Look: Check the places where wood touches wood—specifically where the deck boards rest on the joists below.

The Test: Take a flathead screwdriver or an ice pick and gently press it into the wood in a few suspect spots (especially near nail holes or splits). If the wood feels spongy or the tool sinks in without resistance, you have rot.

The Coastal Factor: Pay special attention to the ends of the boards (the cut ends). This is where moisture wicks in first, often causing the wood to crumble before the center of the board shows any damage.

2. The "Salt Check" for Fasteners

If you live east of Highway 17, salt air is your deck's silent enemy.

The Danger: Galvanized nails and screws eventually corrode. When they rust, they expand, splitting the wood they are holding together.

What to Look For: Look for "bleeding"—rust-colored stains running down the wood from nail heads. If you see a screw head that has rusted off completely, or a joist hanger that is flaking away, it needs immediate replacement with stainless steel or hot-dipped galvanized hardware.

3. The Ledger Board: The Critical Connection

This is the most important structural element of your deck—the board that bolts the deck to your house.

The Flashing Check: Look at the metal strip that should sit over the ledger board and under your house siding. Is it rusted? Is it missing? If water gets behind this board, it can rot the rim joist of your actual house, leading to a catastrophic deck collapse.

The Gap: In coastal construction, we often want to see a small air gap or specialized spacers between the ledger and the house to allow water to drain freely. If leaves and pine straw are packed tight in this crack, clean them out immediately to let the wood breathe.

4. The "Wiggle Test" for Railings

Loose railings are the number one flag on home inspections.

The Test: Stand in the center of a railing section and give it a firm shake. It shouldn't move more than an inch.

The Fix: Often, the wobble comes from the post, not the rail itself. Check the bolts at the bottom of the post. In older decks, these are often just nailed in; for safety, they should be secured with carriage bolts or specialized tension ties.

5. Steps and Stringers

Stairs take the most abuse of any part of the deck.

Check the Stringers: These are the sawtooth boards that hold up the steps. Look for long, horizontal cracks splitting the "teeth." If you see these cracks, the stair is structurally compromised and needs bracing or replacement.

Safety Sells

A safe deck is a major selling point. It tells buyers that the home has been maintained by someone who cares about the details.

At Aspyre Realty Group, we know that outdoor living is a huge part of why people move to the coast. We help sellers identify these issues before the inspection report comes back, saving deals and stress. And for our buyers, we know exactly what to look for to ensure your new sun deck is solid ground. Let’s ensure your outdoor oasis is ready for the season.