When looking at Plymouth homes for sale, one thing you'd love to have is a deck in the backyard. You can spend summers relaxing, barbecuing, and even hosting parties. Before you do that, though, it's important to ensure it's safe. Especially if your deck is older, it may have damage that would make it unsafe.

Fortunately, May is Deck Safety Month, the perfect time to inspect your deck and make sure it's safe and make any necessary repairs. Here's what you should look for.

• Rotting
  Especially if your deck isn't properly sealed, exposure to moisture can cause the wood to rot over time until it can no longer support your weight. Look for flaking and chipping of the paint, indicating that moisture has seeped under it. You can also test the wood with a screwdriver. Poke the wood, and if the tool penetrates the wood more than 1/8", then it's rotting. Hire a contractor to assess the extent of the damage, replace rotting planks, and rebuild if necessary.
  
  
• Mold and Mildew
  If there are discolored spots—particularly green—on your deck, it indicates the beginnings of a mold or mildew problem. If it's only a discoloration, the deck is likely still safe, but the problem should be dealt with before it worsens. Scrub them with soap and water to disinfect the area, and repeat the process at least twice a year. However, if you find actual, fuzzy mold or mushroom-like growths on the wood, the problem is more serious. Call a professional to help you remove it and determine if the wood needs to be replaced for safety.
  
  
• Insect Damage
  The wood used to build decks is typically treated with a chemical that keeps bugs away. Your home, however, may not have received the same treatment. If termites and other insects have gotten to the outer walls attached to your deck, it can cause it to come loose. If there's a gap between your deck and your house, or it seems to have shifted positions, you likely have insect damage, which will need to be repaired.
  
  
• Screws and Nails
  If your wood is rotting, the screws and nails holding it together likely aren't secure either and will need to be replaced. Check to see if any are loose or poking out of the wood. When removing screws and nails, inspect them thoroughly, and don't reuse any that are older, rusting, or otherwise not in good condition.
  
  
• Railings
  If the railings around your deck or the steps leading up to it are loose or wobbly, tighten the screws. Check them regularly; when people lean on them, they'll loosen over time. If, after tightening, the railings still have too much give, the problem may be that the wood underneath them is rotting and needs to be replaced.
  
  
• Lighting
  Even if your deck itself is safe and sturdy, it can still be dangerous at night if it's not properly lit. People can slip, trip over loose boards, and more. Install light fixtures that provide enough illumination to move around the area comfortably. You might also put a string of LED lights along the path leading up to the deck, particularly up the steps, to provide ambiance while helping people find their way safely.

If you're looking for a home with a nice deck to entertain friends all summer, our real estate agents can help you find one that meets your needs. Contact us to learn more!