Dear Robin:
Dear Leaning Deck:
When a deck is leaning is it usually sinking it is often relative to dirt, footings or design. Is the soil under footings the proper type? Clay soil will swell and shrink. Is the soil eroding from under the footing? Proper grade and drainage will not allow erosion. Was the footing installed to the proper depth per local codes? Location of cities have differing footing depth requirements because of frost and freeze depths. Was the deck designed for code compliance? Sometimes homeowners or contractors save money by not hiring an architect or engineer to design the deck. Was the deck designed properly but a change was made to the deck afterwards? We have seen decks remodeled into sunrooms without appropriate redesign. Is it possible the home and deck are sliding down the slope? Sometimes both structures are moving but it is easiest to see the deck movement. You may need to hire an experienced forensic and structure engineer to determine the cause and origin of the sinking deck.
