How Do You Tell a Bolted Ledger From a Nailed One?
A beautiful deck can hide a serious structural problem beneath the surface. Learn how to quickly identify the difference between bolted, structural-screw, and nailed ledger connections—and why this critical connection can determine the safety and structural integrity of an attached deck. Buying, selling, building, or renovating a deck? Don’t judge it from the top. Look underneath, understand the ledger connection, and get the structure professionally evaluated when needed.
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Is My Deck Unsafe? How to Identify Structural Damage and Wear and Tear
Is your deck simply showing normal wear and tear—or warning signs of serious structural damage? Learn how to spot the difference and recognize the signs that mean your deck may need a professional structural engineering evaluation.
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Can a Structural Engineer Design My Deck Without Visiting the Property?
A structural engineer may be able to design a deck without visiting the property, depending on the project, available measurements, photos, existing plans, and local requirements. Learn when a remote deck design is possible, what information you’ll need to provide, and when an on-site inspection is necessary.
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What Information Does a Structural Engineer Need to Design a Deck?
Planning a new deck? Find out exactly what information a structural engineer needs to design your deck safely, accurately, and according to applicable building codes. Knowing what to provide can help speed up your engineering review and avoid costly design revisions.
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Deck Ledger Pulling Away From House: What Should You Do?
A deck ledger pulling away from your house can be a serious structural safety warning that shouldn't be ignored. Learn what causes ledger separation, what you should do immediately, and when a structural engineer is needed to protect your deck and home.
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Why Is My Deck Sagging? 10 Structural Problems to Check
A sagging deck could be a warning sign of serious structural problems—from weakened joists and beams to failing posts, footings, or connections. Learn the 10 problems to check and when you should call a structural engineer before the damage gets worse.
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Can a Deck Support a Hot Tub? Structural Engineering Requirements
A hot tub can add thousands of pounds to a deck—far more than most homeowners realize. Find out whether your deck can safely support a hot tub and what structural engineering requirements may be needed before installation.
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Why Every Deck Needs a Licensed Structural Engineer
A deck looks simple — until you consider the live loads, footing depths, and connection details that keep it standing. Here is why a PE stamp is more than a formality.
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Understanding Deck Footings and Frost Depth
Footings are the part of your deck nobody sees — and the part that fails first when they are done wrong. A quick guide to sizing, depth, and frost heave.
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