Signs Your Deck Needs Repair

A deck is a functional and aesthetic addition to any property. A deck provides extra square footage, increases your living space, and improves the value of your home. And if you've always wanted a safe outdoor space to host parties and family get-togethers, a deck will offer a perfect spot.

But as the favorite outdoor space in your home, a deck will sustain the most abuse. The condition of the deck will deteriorate over time from usage and exposure. Regular maintenance is key to ensure your deck is in top condition all year round. Also, you'll need to catch problems that might make your deck unsafe or shorten its lifespan.

Here are common warning signs your deck needs repair.

Rotten Wood

If you notice rot on support posts, beams, or any other wood on your deck, you need deck repairs. If left unchecked, wood rot can quickly and severely destabilize your deck. And besides affecting your deck, wood rot can spread to your home, especially if you have an attached deck. As a result, the wood rot may cause severe structural damage to your entire property.

If you see even a spot of rot on your deck, contact a professional to inspect the whole structure. If your deck's support post rests directly on soil, you may need to replace them. Damp soil creates the right environment for rot to develop on the posts and spread to other parts of the structure. To do away with the rot problem, your contractor may suggest you put the deck on concrete footings.

Soil Erosion

Whether your deck has concrete or wooden footings, erosion is a common issue. If water washes away the soil around the posts and footings, they become exposed and can destabilize the deck. Soil erosion can result from snowmelt or rainwater.

Soil erosion can occur naturally, especially with changes to your yard or landscape. For instance, the slope of your yard may shift over the years, causing erosion. Also, removing planting beds on your landscape can increase erosion around your home and affect your deck.

If you notice a water pool below the deck, reach out to a deck contractor for repair of any damage. Also, the contractor can advise on how you can prevent erosion problems in the future.

Cracks or Splinters

Damaged floorboards are a clear sign your deck needs repair. Prolonged exposure to elements, pest damage, and constant foot traffic can cause deck boards to crack or splinter. This damage can occur regardless of whether your wood is weatherproofed, painted, or stained.

If only a few deck boards have cracks and splinters, a deck company can easily replace them. However, if the damage spreads over the entire deck, more extensive repairs such as floorboard replacement may be necessary. If the replacement is unavoidable, consider composite wood decking that may last for decades even without staining or sealing.

Loose Rails

Deck railings are necessary for support when people are moving around on the deck. But to provide the necessary support and prevent accidents, railings need to be sturdy. If the railings are loose, they present a safety hazard to everyone using the deck. Also, railing deterioration can quickly spread and weaken the entire deck structure.

Your deck railings need immediate attention if they're wobbly, loose, or deteriorating. Sometimes, rail problems may stem from loose screws or carriage bolts, which are pretty easy to fix. However, if the problem results from rot or structural deterioration, a replacement may be necessary to guarantee safety.

For optimal functionality and safety, your deck needs to be in good condition at all times. If you suspect your deck has a problem, contact a deck contractor for inspection and repair. Contact Kelly's Construction Inc. today if you need professional deck repair, upgrade, or maintenance services.