Is Your Deck, Patio, and Exterior Safe for Summer?

When summer arrives, your outdoor spaces become the heart of your home. Whether you're planning backyard barbecues, hosting family gatherings, or simply enjoying long evenings on the patio, your deck, stairs, fences, and patios need to be ready for action. But before you fire up the grill or set out the lawn chairs, it’s worth taking a closer look at the safety and condition of your outdoor features.

As local home inspectors serving Harrisburg, Lebanon, and nearby towns, we’ve seen firsthand how summer weather can expose structural flaws that may go unnoticed the rest of the year. Now is the time to ensure your outdoor areas are safe, secure, and ready for company.

Deck Safety Starts Below the Surface

Decks endure a lot over the years, especially in regions with fluctuating weather. Rain, sun, snow, and temperature swings can all take a toll. One of the most common issues we see is wood rot, particularly around support posts and ledger boards that connect the deck to the home.

A few questions to consider:

• Do the boards feel soft or spongy underfoot?
• Are nails or screws coming loose?
• Are the railings sturdy or wobbly?
• Does your deck sway when multiple people are on it?

These signs can indicate underlying structural concerns. During a home inspection, we assess not only the visible deck boards but also the framing, joists, footings, and hardware. A structurally sound deck should not only look good but support weight safely for years to come.

Patio Problems Are More Than Just Cosmetic

Unlike decks, patios are typically made of concrete, stone, or pavers. These materials may seem permanent, but they’re not immune to damage. Cracks, shifting surfaces, and pooling water can all create hazards and signal larger foundation or drainage problems.

If your patio has trip hazards, gaps between pavers, or visible erosion, these issues should be addressed before heavy summer use. We also look at how water moves away from the home. Improper slope can send moisture toward the foundation, leading to expensive repairs later.

Stairs and Railings: Small Details with Big Impact

Stairs and railings may seem like minor features, but they play a critical role in safety. A loose step or unstable railing is a recipe for injury, especially during events with guests or children running around.

Our inspections include checks for:

• Proper stair height and consistency
• Secure handrails that are easy to grip
• Signs of wear, rust, or wood deterioration
• Missing fasteners or weak connections

These issues are easily overlooked during day-to-day use but can become very obvious under stress or heavy use during summer gatherings.

Fence and Gate Integrity: Privacy and Protection

Fences and gates define your outdoor space and offer privacy, security, and curb appeal. But they are also exposed to the elements year-round. Moisture can rot wooden posts. Wind can warp panels. Insects can chew through barriers. And broken latches or sagging gates can create access issues.

We recommend doing a walk-around of your property to check for leaning sections, splintering wood, rusted hardware, or gaps. A secure, well-maintained fence not only looks better but also keeps pets, kids, and visitors safer.

Why Home Inspections Include Outdoor Structures

Most people associate home inspections with interior systems like plumbing, HVAC, and electrical. But any good inspection includes the exterior and structural components that affect safety, functionality, and value.

At HouseMaster Harrisburg and Lebanon, we pay special attention to how a home performs in its current season. In summer, that means being especially alert to wood rot, insect activity, UV damage, and loose structures caused by winter freeze-thaw cycles.

Maintenance Tips from the Experts

You do not have to wait for a full inspection to take proactive steps. Here are a few ways to stay ahead of common issues:

• Power wash and seal your deck once a year
• Replace any soft or splintering wood
• Secure any loose handrails or stair treads
• Reseal concrete or repair cracks in your patio
• Lubricate and tighten gate hardware
• Trim vegetation away from fences and siding

Preventative maintenance can add years to the life of your outdoor structures and save you from costly repairs.

Keep Summer Fun and Safe

There is nothing like enjoying your home during the summer months. But outdoor comfort should never come at the expense of safety. Before you host your next cookout or relax on your deck with a cold drink, take time to make sure your exterior is in good condition.

A professional home inspection gives you peace of mind that your property is safe, secure, and ready for guests. If you are buying, selling, or simply maintaining your home, our certified team is here to help.

Schedule your inspection today and enjoy your outdoor space with confidence all summer long.

Harrisburg home inspectors Dan Ayers and Scott Ayers, like all Housemaster home inspectors, have extensive training and certifications and are tested annually to meet the industry standards of continuing education, inspection, reporting, and customer service. As part of the oldest and most trusted nationwide home inspection business, Dan and Scott have been able to put their decade long experience in fire and water property restoration and their passion for customer service to good use in the professional home inspection process. Request an inspection today!