5 Signs That Its Time To Replace/Repair Your Deck

The wooden elevated platform found outside your home, also known as the deck, is a great place to spend time alone or with friends and family as you enjoy the view. A deck can last for years. However, even with good maintenance, it is inevitable for it to start wearing out with time. A worn-out deck is dangerous and can lead to serious accidents. It is therefore important that you take action once you begin to notice signs of deterioration. At times, some repairs here and there will do. Still, there are situations in which you might have to replace the deck altogether. Here are 5 signs to watch out for that will tell you that it’s time to repair or replace your deck.

Wood Damage

One major indicator of an aging deck is obvious signs of damaged wood that might have been caused by various elements. The deck is also prone to natural wear and tear due to continued use. You may begin to see cracks and crevices in the wood which shows that the deck is starting to fall apart due to old age. You may also find out that some of the deck boards are broken leaving behind some gaps. This is not only unsightly but also dangerous.

Staining and discoloration are also other signs of damage. This affects the appearance of the deck. This can also signify the presence of other underlying issues. When you start to notice these signs, it is important that you follow up. You may find that you need to do some repairs and in more severe cases, have to replace the deck.

Wood Rot

Most decks are usually wooden. Wood is a building material that is highly susceptible to rot when exposed to excess moisture. Decks are built outside and are exposed to the outdoor weather conditions. As a result, it is likely to come into contact with a lot of water during the rainy seasons. This buildup of moisture promotes wood rot. Sometimes a wood sealant is applied to protect the wood, but, it may come off leaving the wood exposed.

The dangerous thing about wood rot is that it can go unnoticed. Hence, once you spot a single area of rotting, the entire deck should be inspected for more wood rot. You should also watch out for signs such as fungal growth, dark stains, soft wood, and a dump smell. Otherwise, the rot will eat away the wood causing it to become unstable and may even break without notice. Rotten wood should be replaced.

Loose Railings and Deck boards

Parts of the deck becoming loose is not a good sign. One of the areas that may become loose with time is the deck railings, the ones on the deck, and also on the deck stairs. Instead of providing safety as they are meant to, they will pose a risk to the users, especially children. In some cases, this can be easily be fixed by fastening the bolts and nails. This may not work sometimes due to underlying issues such as rot which should be addressed. The pressure exerted on the surface of the deck due to continued use can lead to loosening or detaching of the deck boards with time. You may notice this when the boards shift as you step on them. This situation can worsen if not repaired immediately.

Infestation

Another thing that you should look out for are signs of infestation. Moist wood will provide a conducive environment for the growth of mold and mildew. These are unpleasant to look at. At times, this may only cause problems with the appearance, and other times it can be a sign of underlying damage. Hence, as you clear it up, you should inspect the deck for any other issues or call in a professional.

Your deck may also suffer infestation from termites. These will dig into the wood leaving behind holes that may affect the structural integrity of the wood. Affected parts should be isolated immediately and repairs to be done. However, if the infestation is extensive, the entire deck may need to be replaced.

Accidents

Even though you should not wait for this to happen, accidents occurring, whether major or minor, should indicate that it’s time to repair or replace your deck. This may happen due to ignored issues or ones that may have gone unnoticed. Either way, you should not wait for another accident to happen before taking immediate action.

SUMMARY:

The signs are the same, but, the extent of damage will determine whether your deck needs to be repaired or replaced altogether. A deck that is not in good condition is not only unappealing but also a hazard. Necessary steps should be taken once the above signs begin to show.