5 Signs That It's Time to Replace or Repair Your Deck

The spring is coming! You have been waiting for several months of cold, wet, and wind for these sunny days when you can sit outside the house with your family or friends, enjoying the warmth of spring sunshine. Yet, the bright sun can reveal a terrible sight: the battered state of your deck. If these are just a few stains - repairing the deck is a logical solution. But how do you know when a full replacement is needed? Read on to find out what to look for while inspecting your deck; the severity of the signs of damage will prompt the correct decision. 

Harsh weather conditions, damp and the hot sun can damage the wood your deck is made of. Thus, some of the bords can be broken. Timely replacement work will improve the situation and prevent injuries.   

Your deck is definitely aged and needs a proper deck repair if it has cracks and gaps in the wood. You can also notice spots and discolored areas that affect the overall appearance of the exterior. Unfortunately, a more serious problem may be hiding behind a “cosmetic” issue. Do not rush to repaint the deck. If the wood is rotten and you simply cover it with a new layer of paint, things will only get worse. You may need to substitute some boards or even hire a professional Deck Builder to replace the entire deck.    

As was said, wood can become rotten, especially in areas with a humid climate. Contact with water (in the form of rain, snow, and even fog) will cause the deck to rot. Meticulous homeowners usually cover the wood with a sealant to protect it from moisture buildup. Still, this protective layer may come off allowing the water to do its job.    

This problem should not remain unaddressed. Once you detect a small area of rot, you should check the entire deck for more signs of rot. Warning signs such as dark spots, softened wood, mold, fungus, and unpleasant smell should also be considered. Of course, you should clean those up. Still, these can be the signs of underlying damage. Do not allow rot and mold to eat away your deck. It will become unstable and will suddenly break as you step on it. Do not wait until the situation becomes dangerous. Rotten areas should be replaced by a professional deck repair contractor. 

Support posts are attached to the concrete footings or supporting soil and the deck. They support your railings. Check if the supporting soil hasn’t eroded away shifting the posts. Make sure the posts are tightly connected to the deck. If some of them are defective, you should replace them ASAP.

Ignored problems may lead to constant minor accidents. Loose nails and decaying wood planks can cause cuts, tears in clothing, and splinters. These are a clear sign that it’s time for a deck repair. You should not wait for accidents to happen. 

A good homeowner is a bit a “bug scientist”. This person knows what kinds of insects live in their area and what that means to a wooden deck. 

Here is a list of insects that can cause real damage to your deck. 

How one can detect them?

If you notice the damage from ants or carpenter bees, do not hurry with the deck repair works. First, you need to call a pest control expert to get detailed instructions on what to do next.

Now you know what to pay attention to when inspecting your deck. You already understand how dangerous a decrepit deck can be. So, what is the best solution? Should you replace or repair your deck? Contact the professionals of a solid decking and exterior remodeling company. They will assess your wooden deck, explain what needs to be done, and repair or replace it.

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