Your deck has probably seen better days. It’s been the scene of many barbecues, parties, and lazy summer afternoons, but now it needs some repairs. How do you know if your entire deck needs a little TLC or if it’s time for more serious decking repairs? Follow this guide to find out!
This article will cover the top signs that your deck boards need repairs, what damage can be fixed with a little DIY, and when you should call in a professional to help. Ready to find out? Let’s dive in!
1. Rotten boards that need immediate replacement
When boards rot, water damage or insects are the typical culprits. If ignored, rot can spread and cause serious structural deterioration, so you should tackle wood rot one board at a time.
If you see rotten boards, the main cause is water damage or insects. You shouldn’t ignore this since, rot can spread and affect even the structure of your deck. So inspect your deck for any soft or spongy boards and replace them as soon as possible.
2. The wood support posts and beams begin to rot
The wood support deck posts and beams are the most important part of your deck repair process. If they begin to rot, it’s time for some serious-whole deck repair. Water damage is the usual cause of rotting posts and beams, so check for any signs.
Nowadays contractor must build deck on concrete deck footings to respect deck building code regulations, but if your deck’s older, it’s structure may be placed directly on the ground. If this is the case, you’re at a higher risk for rot and cause structural damage.
To check, look for any greenish-black mold or mildew on the posts, beams, and entire frame. If you see any, it’s time to call in a professional decking repair company.
3. Color starts to fade away
Decoloration is another sign of damaged boards. It’s usually caused by sun exposure and weathering of the wood boards or pressure-treated lumber decking. If the color of your backyard deck starts to fade, it’s time to give it a new coat of paint or stain.
You can easily take care of this problem yourself with some deck paint or stain. But be sure to choose a product that’s specifically designed for deck surfaces. And always follow the manufacturer’s instructions to the letter.
4. Footings are heaving or dropping
Concrete footings can improve the structural integrity of your deck, but there can be some issues as well. If your deck is installed on uneven ground, for example, the concrete footings may not be able to compensate. This can cause the decking to heave or drop, which can lead to all sorts of decking problems.
If you notice that your deck is heaving or dropping, it’s time to call in a professional decking repair company. They’ll be able to assess the situation and determine the best course of action.
5. You notice slippery surfaces more often
If you slip around on your deck like a slick block of ice, the issue is probably a large buildup of algae or moisture. This can be a serious safety hazard, so you should take care of it as soon as possible. You can use a deck cleaner to remove the algae or moisture.
Deck cleaners are made specifically to clean deck surfaces, so they’re a good choice. But you can also use a pressure washer with a low-pressure setting. Just be sure to test it on a small area first to make sure you don’t damage the existing deck.
After you’ve cleaned the deck, and if you have composite decking, it’s important to apply a sealer or stain. This will protect the new deck from further damage and make it easier to clean in the future.
6. More cracks or splinters
Cracks or splinters are a clear sign of aging in your outdoor space. However, if you start to see more and more cracks, it may be a sign that your deck is in need of some repairs.
If the cracks or splinerd are deeper than 6 inches long, you can fill them with deck filler or deck caulking. But if they’re deeper, you’ll need to replace the affected boards.
Many deck owners give too much attention to cracks or splinters. But to keep your deck board in good shape in the future, it’s essential to do regular maintenance. This includes cleaning it and applying a sealer or stain every few years.
7. Erosion around the posts
If you notice that the soil around your deck footings is eroding, it’s time to take action. Erosion can cause the footings to become unstable, leading to decking problems.
You can install a drainage system around the deck footing to prevent erosions. This will help keep the soil wet and prevent it from eroding. You can also add some deck flashing to help deflect water away from the footings.
8. The rails loosen or otherwise deteriorate
If you’re noticing that your deck railings are loosening, it’s important to take care of the issue as soon as possible. Loose railings can be a serious safety hazard, especially if someone falls off the deck, or worse can happen, and your deck collapses.
It’s better not to try and fix it yourself, but to call in a professional decking repair company. They’ll be able to assess the situation and determine the best course of action.
9. Unmaintained deck Leads to Decking repairs
10. If your deck starts to wobble, it's time to call a pro
If your deck starts to wobble, it’s time to call a decking repair professional. Wobbliness can be caused by termite damage, prolonged wood rot, or poor installation. No matter the cause, it’s best to have a professional take a look and determine the best course of action.
After you’ve determined that your deck needs some repairs, it’s important to vet your contractor properly. This means doing your research online and getting referrals from trusted friends or family.
By checking online reviews, you can get a sense of the contractor’s quality of work. And by getting referrals, you can be sure that the decking repair company is reputable and has experience fixing decks.
Also make sure that the contractor you’re hiring is licensed and insured. This will protect you in case something goes wrong during the repairs.
Conclusion
So, what are the top signs that your deck needs repairs? Now that you know, it’s important to take action as soon as possible. Damage can only get worse over time! If you’re not sure where to start or feel overwhelmed, don’t worry.
Get in touch with us and we’ll be more than happy to help. Our experts have years of experience in deck construction and repairing decks and will make sure the job is done right, keeping your home safe and looking beautiful all at the same time.