Wood Deck and Balcony Inspections for Maryland Commercial Properties
Wood decks and balconies are essential features of many commercial properties, offering functional and aesthetic value. During a Maryland Commercial Property Inspection, these structures are carefully evaluated to identify visible defects, safety concerns, and maintenance issues. Our goal is to provide a detailed assessment, helping property owners ensure safety, functionality, and compliance with best practices.
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Not sure about some of the terms used for Maryland Commercial Inspection Reports? Visit our our Key Commercial Property Inspection Terms and Abbreviations and Acronyms Commercial property inspection information pages for clear definitions and explanations.
Comprehensive Deck and Balcony Evaluations
Our inspection focuses on the condition of wood decks and balconies, including their structural integrity, safety features, and susceptibility to decay or weathering. We visually examine components for defects, such as improper railings, trip hazards, and water damage, ensuring that critical safety and maintenance concerns are addressed. While our inspections are thorough, they are non-invasive, and any inaccessible or concealed issues are noted in the report for further evaluation if needed.
Maryland Deck and Balcony Inspection Checklist
During a Maryland Commercial Property Inspection, our inspectors:
- Check for deck and balcony members that are noticeably out of level or out of plumb.
- Look for visible signs of decay, paint failure, or buckling.
- Inspect for nail pullout (nail pop) and fastener rust, staining, or corrosion.
- Verify the presence of flashing on the deck-side of the ledger board.
- Examine vertical members (posts) for exposed end-grains.
- Identify obvious trip hazards and non-graspable handrails.
- Measure railings for height compliance with the 36-inch minimum*.
- Check guardrails and infill for openings exceeding the 4-inch maximum*.
- Inspect open-tread stairs for gaps larger than the 4 ½-inch maximum*.
- Evaluate triangular areas between guardrails and stairways for gaps exceeding the 6-inch maximum*.
- Inspect built-up and multi-ply beam spans for butt joints.
- Look for notches in the middle-third of solid-sawn wood spans.
- Check for large splits in solid-sawn wood members.
- Identify if building egresses are blocked, covered, or hindered by the deck construction.
- Assess for potential water damage caused by gutters, downspouts, or sprinklers
*See Formal Stairway Standards for compliance details.
Trust MJ Property Inspections for Your Maryland Commercial Inspection Needs
At MJ Property Inspections, we provide comprehensive evaluations of wood decks and balconies to help identify structural concerns, visible decay, and safety hazards. Our inspections focus on ensuring these outdoor spaces meet stability and safety standards, with particular attention to railings, support systems, and fasteners. Protect the value and safety of your commercial property by scheduling a wood deck and balcony inspection with our expert team today.
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