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Why Most Decks Fail in Michigan (And What Homeowners Never See Coming)
- Chad Hartman
- 2 days ago
- 5 min read
If you walk out onto your deck and it feels solid, most homeowners assume everything underneath it must be fine. That’s usually not the case.
In Novi and surrounding Southeast Michigan communities, we regularly inspect decks that look completely normal from the surface, but underneath are structurally compromised.
Some of them are one season away from failure.
The reason is simple. Most deck problems don’t start where you can see them. They start in the structure.
The Most Common Failure Point: Where the Post Meets the Ground
The number one failure we see is at the posts, specifically 4x4 posts at or below grade.
From the surface, everything looks fine. Railings feel solid. Deck boards look intact.
But 4 to 6 inches below grade is where the problem begins. That’s where moisture sits. That’s where rot develops. And that’s where structural strength is quietly lost.
By the time movement is noticeable, the post is often already compromised.
Larger posts such as 6x6 hold up significantly better over time, but many older decks were not built that way.
The Hidden Danger at the Ledger Board
The second major failure point is the ledger, where the deck attaches to the house.
This is one of the most critical structural connections on the entire deck, and it’s one of the most commonly done wrong.
We’ve shown up to jobs where the homeowner confidently tells us the deck is solid, while the ledger is barely holding on.
In some cases:
Joist hangers are installed with drywall screws
Structural fasteners are missing entirely
Joists are held in place with toenails only
We’ve had situations where we’ve told homeowners not to use their deck at all until it’s replaced.
It’s not about being cautious. It’s about preventing a collapse.
What the 1990s Housing Boom Left Behind
A large percentage of homes in Novi, Northville, West Bloomfield, Brighton, and surrounding areas were built during the 1990s housing boom.
We see the same patterns repeatedly from that era:
Ledger boards attached directly to brick
No proper flashing
Minimal or incorrect fasteners
Stair stringers sitting directly on the ground
No drainage or waterproofing strategy
At the time, many of these practices were common.
Today, they are known failure points.
Decks That Look Fine But Aren’t
One of the most dangerous situations is when a deck looks good on top but is failing underneath. We were once hired to resurface a deck built in the 90s using 2x6 decking.
From the surface, it looked serviceable. We checked the posts. They appeared usable.
But once we removed the decking, everything changed. The entire structure had significant sway. After further inspection, we found there were no proper footings below grade.
The deck had been relying on the decking boards themselves for stability.
Once those boards were removed, the structure had almost no integrity left.
That project went from a resurface to a full structural rebuild.
Why Resurfacing Almost Always Reveals Problems
Homeowners often ask if deck resurfacing is a simple process.
In reality, we have never completed a resurfacing project without addressing structural issues.
Not once.
Every project involves some level of:
Framing correction
Joist repair or replacement
Structural reinforcement
Drainage improvement
The decking is just the visible layer. The structure underneath determines whether resurfacing is even possible.
The Problem With “Good Enough” Construction
One of the biggest issues in deck building is that many decks are built to minimum code, not long-term performance.
There’s a difference.
Minimum code might pass inspection. It does not guarantee longevity.
That’s why we see:
Undersized posts
Inconsistent joist spacing
Lack of framing protection
No consideration for water management
Over time, those shortcuts show up as failure.
Composite Decking Doesn’t Fix Bad Framing
Another misconception is that upgrading to composite decking solves structural problems. It doesn’t. Composite boards last longer than wood, but they rely entirely on the framing underneath. If the structure is compromised, the decking material doesn’t matter. In many cases, we have to explain that installing new Trex composite boards on failing framing is not a solution. It’s a dangerous delay.
The Cost of Choosing the Wrong Contractor
We’ve had many situations where our proposal was passed over for a lower bid.
In several cases, we’ve been called back later.
Sometimes the contractor:
Stopped showing up
Took a deposit and disappeared
Got in over their head and couldn’t finish
When that happens, we often can’t use what was already installed.
Not because we don’t want to, but because it doesn’t meet structural or warranty standards.
At that point, the homeowner is paying twice.
What We Do Differently
Every project we take on, whether it’s a resurface or new build, starts with a plan.
We account for:
Structural integrity
Material performance
Drainage and moisture control
Long-term durability
We approach every deck as a system, not just a surface.
That’s how you avoid surprises later.
The Real Cost of Maintenance vs Upfront Investment
We see many homeowners trying to extend the life of wood decks through painting or sealing.
In most cases, especially with paint, it becomes a cycle of:
Sanding
Power washing
Recoating
Ongoing maintenance costs
Over time, that effort adds up.
Investing upfront in composite or PVC materials often reduces long-term maintenance significantly, giving homeowners more time to actually use their deck instead of maintaining it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my deck is structurally unsafe?
Movement, soft spots, loose railings, or visible rot are warning signs. However, many structural issues are not visible without removing decking or inspecting below grade.
Are older decks in Michigan more likely to fail?
Yes. Many decks built in the 1990s were constructed using practices that do not meet current standards, especially around ledger attachment and moisture protection.
Can I resurface my deck instead of replacing it?
Only if the structure underneath is sound. In most cases, some level of structural repair is required before resurfacing.
Is composite decking like Trex safer than wood?
The decking material itself is not what determines safety. Structural framing, fasteners, and proper installation are what matter most.
The Bottom Line
Most deck failures don’t happen overnight.
They develop slowly, below the surface, in areas homeowners never see.
Posts rot below grade. Ledgers weaken over time. Fasteners fail. Moisture builds where it
shouldn’t.
By the time the problem becomes visible, it’s usually already advanced.
A deck should not just look good. It should be built to perform safely for decades.
And that starts with the structure, not the surface.
