Walk the deck. Look for: - Gray or weathered boards: UV and water damage. Surface only. Clean and seal handles it. - Soft spots underfoot: rot. Probe with a screwdriver — if it sinks in, that board is done. - Splits, splinters, warped boards: replace individually. - Loose railings or stair treads: re-fasten (not in this book; see carpentry).
Minor graying is universal. Major rot means board replacement.