Stop
A separating ledger board is a collapse risk; stop using the deck near the house and keep weight off it until a professional inspects and repairs it.
Symptoms
- Visible gap opening between the deck and the house wall
- Deck feels like it flexes or drops slightly near the house
- Water staining or rot visible at the ledger connection
Likely causes
- CommonCorroded, loosened, or too few structural boltsLedger boards need substantial lag bolts or through-bolts, not just nails, and these can loosen or rust over time.
- CommonWater intrusion behind the ledger causing rotWithout proper flashing, water gets trapped between the ledger and the house and rots both.
- PossibleMissing or failed flashing at the ledgerThis is a very common original construction defect that leads to hidden rot over years.
What to do
- Stop using the deck, or at least the area near the house, if you see visible separation or feel unusual flex.
- Look closely at the gap for daylight, rust streaks, or soft wood, which all point to a serious problem.
- Do not attempt to simply add more nails or nail the gap shut, since this connection requires proper structural bolting.
- Check for flashing (a metal strip) between the ledger and the house siding; its absence is a red flag.
- Photograph the issue for your contractor and, if relevant, your insurance or home warranty.
- Get a licensed contractor to inspect and properly reattach the ledger with code-compliant bolts and flashing.
- Have the deck's other structural connections checked at the same time, since ledger problems often coincide with other issues.
Tools and parts
- Flashlight
- Camera
When to call a pro
Call a licensed deck or general contractor immediately for ledger board repair; this is not a DIY fix.
Safety
Stop
A separating ledger board is a collapse risk; stop using the deck near the house and keep weight off it until a professional inspects and repairs it.