What should I look for when inspecting a used home's deck in New Brunswick?

Focus your inspection on five critical areas: the ledger board connection to the house, the footings and post bases, railing security and code compliance, signs of rot at posts and joists, and whether permits were pulled for the original construction. These areas reveal the true condition and safety of a deck far more reliably than the surface appearance of the decking boards.

The ledger board is the single most important structural element to inspect. This is the horizontal board that attaches the deck to the house, and ledger failures are the leading cause of catastrophic deck collapses across North America. The ledger should be fastened with lag screws or through-bolts into the house's rim joist, not just nails, and there should be flashing to direct water away from the junction between the ledger and the house wall. If water has been seeping behind the ledger for years, the house's rim joist and the ledger itself may be rotted, even if the exterior looks sound. Push firmly on the deck near the house wall and feel for any give or sponginess. If the deck bounces or shifts at the house connection, that is a serious structural concern that warrants professional assessment before you finalize a home purchase.

Footings and post bases are the next priority. Walk beneath the deck if possible and examine how the posts connect to the ground. In New Brunswick, deck footings must extend below the frost line, roughly four to five feet deep, to prevent heaving. Posts should sit on concrete piers or sonotubes, not directly on the ground or on simple concrete blocks sitting on the surface. Surface-level supports will shift with frost movement, gradually pushing the deck out of level and stressing every connection in the structure. Check that metal post bases or brackets connect the posts to the footings, keeping the wood separated from direct ground contact.

Railing integrity is both a safety and code compliance issue. Grab each railing section firmly and push outward and sideways. Loose railings are extremely common on older New Brunswick decks and represent an immediate safety hazard, especially for children. Current building code requires railings on any deck surface more than 24 inches above grade, with a minimum height of 36 inches for residential decks and balusters spaced no more than four inches apart. Many older decks were built to previous standards or without permits and may not meet current requirements. While a non-compliant railing does not necessarily mean the deck is unsafe, it does mean you will likely need to upgrade the railings, which is a cost to factor into your offer.

Probe for rot at the most vulnerable points. The bases of posts where they meet footings, the ends of joists where they connect to the ledger and the beam, and any areas where the deck traps moisture are the places rot develops first. Use a screwdriver or awl to probe the wood. Sound pressure-treated lumber will resist the probe, while rotted wood will feel soft and the tool will sink in easily. Pay particular attention to any areas where the deck boards prevent water from draining freely, as standing water accelerates decay dramatically.

Finally, ask the seller or their agent for permit records. Check with the local municipality to confirm whether a building permit was issued for the deck and whether a final inspection was completed and passed. An unpermitted deck does not necessarily mean poor construction, but it means no independent inspector verified that the structure meets code. In New Brunswick, unpermitted structures can create complications with insurance claims and future resale. Knowing the approximate age of the deck also helps you gauge remaining useful life. A well-built pressure-treated deck in New Brunswick's climate can last 20 to 25 years with proper maintenance, but one that has been neglected may need replacement after 12 to 15 years.

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