A regular Deck Check is essential for protecting property and long-term value, as minor structural compromises can evolve into costly failures. While most homeowners assume their decks are safe, thousands of injuries occur annually due to hidden issues. Even a surface that feels stable can mask onset rot, mildew, or weakened structural integrity.
Protect your Deck, Protect your Home
Get Your FREE 20-point Deck Check from America's #1 Deck Builder
Safety Issues Can Hide in Plain Sight
Your Peace of Mind Matters
Adam Rought, CEO and Founder of Green Shield Deck Builders explains the importance of Deck Safety.
"At Green Shield, we witness daily the dangers of unsafe decks and the relief our Deck Checks provide families. Don't wait. Contact us today and ensure your deck is safe and secure."
- Adam Rought,
CEO & Founder, Green Shield Deck Builders
Safety in Every Step
Backed by the Nation's Experts
NADRA Safety Ambassador
Green Shield Deck Builders is proud to partner with the North American Deck and Railing Association (NADRA) in support of deck safety. This partnership signifies Green Shield’s commitment to providing homeowners with the education they need to make the best decisions about their deck. Their annual Deck Safety Month Campaign allows NADRA to continue to educate consumers, industry professionals, and inspectors about proper deck installation and the importance of annual Deck Checks.
From Homeowners and Industry
Award Winning Service
Green Shield maintains an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and hundreds of verified reviews, reflecting a consistent standard of engineering and service. During a 20-point Deck Check, a Green Shield Deck Designer provides a technical overview of findings and addresses structural questions directly.
In-home Service
Green Shield Mobile Showroom
Our process includes a mobile showroom presentation, allowing homeowners to review material options and design a forever deck on-site. The goal is to provide a streamlined path from the initial Deck Check to a finished project built for long-term performance.
Deck Safety Checklist
Homeowners can schedule a complimentary Deck Check with Green Shield. A Deck Designer will conduct a 20-point Deck Check to identify and address issues before they escalate. For those assessing a current deck or considering a home purchase, these common indicators offer a baseline for structural health:
Ledger Board
The ledger is where the deck attaches to your house, and it’s a common failure point. Check your deck for:
- Proper flashing above and behind the ledger to prevent water from getting into the house
- Tight, corrosion-resistant fasteners (lag bolts or structural screws, not nails)
- No visible rot, mold, or soft wood around the ledger or house rim joist
- Even spacing and solid contact between the ledger and the house, with no gaps
Warning signs:
- Ledger is nailed on instead of bolted
- The flashing is peeling, flimsy or completely gone
- Staining or decay where the deck meets the house
Posts and footings
Posts carry the weight of the deck. If they fail, everything else follows. Check your deck for:
- Posts that are plumb and straight, not leaning or twisted
- Solid footings below frost depth (posts shouldn’t be buried directly in the soil)
- Post bases or brackets that keep wood off concrete
- No splitting, rot, or insect damage, especially near the bottom
Warning signs:
- Posts set directly into dirt or concrete
- Cracked footings or visible settling
- Posts that wobble when pushed
Railings
Railings get leaned on, shaken, and tested–sometimes daily. Check your deck for:
- Firm, rigid railings with no noticeable movement
- Securely fasten posts (bolted to framing, not just screwed into the surface)
- Balusters spaced correctly (generally less than 4 inches apart)
- Smooth, splinter-free surfaces and intact fasteners
Warning signs:
- Loose or wobbly rail sections
- Railing posts only attached to deck boards
- Missing, cracked or loose balusters
Framing
Even if it looks good on top, what’s underneath makes a huge difference to the stability and security of your deck. Check yours for:
- Joists that are evenly spaced and property supported
- Metal joist hangers where joists meet beams or the ledger
- No excessive sagging or bouncing when you walk across the deck
Warning signs:
- Unsupported spans
- Rusted or missing hangers
- Improvised fixes, patches, or mismatched lumber
Decking
There are several things to look for when checking your deck boards to ensure safety, durability, and overall quality. Check yours for:
- Cracks or splits. Looks for any deep cracks, spots or large checks that could indicate weakening wood
- Warping or bowing. Significant cupping, twisting, or bowing can be a sign of poor material or improper installation.
- Rot, decay, or insect damage. Check for soft spots, discoloration or a spongy feel, especially at the ends of the boards where they meet the joists. According to the Northern American Deck and Railing Association, if you can easily break off a sliver of wood without splinters, or easily penetrate the wood with a screwdriver ¼ to ½ inch or more, decay is likely present and the wood should be replaced.
- Surface wear. For composite or synthetic boards, check for fading, scratches, or surface delamination.
Frequently Asked Questions
Learn More About Deck Safety
You've got questions about deck safety, America's #1 Deck Builder has the answers.
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Every year more than 55,000 people are injured by a deck or wood porch. In 2022-2023 the Consumer Product Safety Commission estimated more than 30,000 seniors ages 65 years and older were injured due to a fall on a deck, porch, or balcony. With more than half of the 60 million decks in the United States in need of repair or replacement, your deck should be checked annually for issues. Use the following short checklist to get started and be sure to contact Green Shield for assistance.
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The duration of your Deck Check depends on the size, age, and materials of your existing structure. Green Shield designers are trained to identify rot and mildew, which may require accessing framing or moving furniture. To ensure a thorough safety evaluation, please allow a minimum of 90 minutes for the appointment.
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Green Shield’s NADRA partnership is part of our commitment to year-round deck safety. As a NADRA Safety Ambassador, Green Shield Deck Builders helps to raise awareness of the risks bad decks pose and provides options to homeowners. Our Deck Checks are free of charge. Homeowners are encouraged to have their deck inspected annually.
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Your 20-point Deck Check will be conducted by your personal Green Shield Deck Designer. They will visit your home to look at your current deck and surrounding structures. As employees of Green Shield, our Deck Designers are trained and trusted to provide expert decking advice to homeowners.
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Green Shield Deck Builders offers free Deck Checks because it is important to raise awareness around deck safety. Every year over [var:injuriesPerYear] people are injured on decks. Green Shield wants to make sure you, your family, and friends can enjoy quality time on the deck. Faulty railings, loose deck boards, and hidden moisture are all risks to your family and friends. Don’t hesitate to have a Green Shield Deck Designer check your deck.
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Nope! Our Deck Designers will show you the Green Shield Difference after your Deck Check, but there is no obligation to purchase a deck from us. The goal of our free Deck Check is to make sure you have all the information needed to make an informed decision. If you do decide to consider a Green Shield deck, our Deck Designer will give you a price locked in for 30-Days.