Signs Your Wood Deck Needs Repair

After months of snow, ice and freezing weather your wood deck has likely taken a beating. Depending on the age of your deck, it may need some repairs or even a replacement. To help you figure out if your deck is safe and secure for this spring and summer, we’ve pulled together some warning signs to look out for.

 

The first sign of a decrepit deck is the signature bend, or warp, of the wood. You can often see this from several feet back, as the deck sags in the middle. This is often caused by support beams that are in poor condition. Over time, exposure to water and moisture can weaken the wood, making it give way.

 

Another tell-tale sign that you need deck repair is termites. The insects burrow their way through wood, leaving it unsound and unsafe. They move swiftly, and damage that begins as minor can quickly compromise the entire deck.

 

You can also tell you need a new deck by walking on it. Does the wood feel spongey? Are boards coming loose? Do nails and screws not stay in the wood very well? These are all signs that you need to fix your deck.

 

Fortunately, sometimes a wood deck will only need a few localized repairs, and not an entire deck replacement. If termites are caught early, only small sections need to be repaired. Likewise, if rot is only affecting one part of the deck, that section is the only thing that needs to be replaced.

 

After your deck repair is finished, you should try to preserve it. Have a pest control company inspect it regularly for termites. Also use a water-resistant finish that will repel moisture. Finally, be sure that the substructure of your deck is not susceptible to the elements; keep an eye on how water is draining around your deck.

 

If you watch for these and keep good maintenance habits, your deck will look its best for many summer parties to come. To get started on deck repairs or replacement give us a call. At Northern Fence, we’re not only fence experts we can also provide deck repairs and railing replacements. Call us today or click here for a quote to get started!