A deck can develop problems if it is not well maintained. Due to weather and age, a deck can deteriorate over time. You may need to repair or replace it eventually.
Signs Of Rot
You can visibly detect rot problems on your deck. If you notice a soft patch on the surface of the flooring, that can be a sign that the wood underneath your deck has begun to deteriorate. If you have noticed this, use a screwdriver and give the soft spot area a gentle poke. This will help you understand and determine the level at which the damage has occurred. Ensure that you examine all the boards. If you think it is a difficult task for you to handle on your own, or you are too busy to inspect your deck, you can hire a deck maintenance professional to help you do the job and he or she can do it more skillfully.
Loosened Floorboards
Bad weather conditions can cause the floorboards to crack and loosen. When the boards crack, it may be accepted as normal and may not involve serious attention but if the floorboard loosens, you will feel the effect under your feet when you walk on the deck.
If you observe that your floorboard has loosened then it’s time for replacement(s). You’ve probably got rotting wood around the deck’s fixtures.
Look out for boards that are not flat but tend to elevate in a puffy way. Replacing boards is the best option if you want to stay safe and avoid accidents like tripping and falling.
Replace Wobbly Railings
If your railings are shaky, this can lead to a big accident on your deck. You can have a bad fall and even go off the deck edge. If your railings are shaking or moving unsteadily, it is time to repair them as soon as possible to ensure your safety and the safety of the people around you.
Replace Your Damaged Posts
Deck posts are often long lasting. They help in securing the railings but due to weather and other rough external factors, the floor around the concrete can begin to rot. Whether the damage is severe or mild, you should not ignore it. You can replace the affected areas with new floorboards. Neglecting weakened floorboards can intensify the damage done around the deck post and if more than one post is damaged, repair them as soon as you can. Damaged posts need immediate attention to avoid having the deck fall down!
Repair Damages Caused By Insects
Insects can damage decks. Carpenter bees, for instance, create holes in decks. Termites eat the wood. Carpenter ants and other insects can ruin decks, too. If you notice wood pieces on the ground of your deck, spongy boards or sunken wood, you may have a bug problem that needs attention.
Conclusion
When your deck is getting old or has been exposed to harsh weather conditions, it may begin to show some signs of damage. The moment you observe these signs, repair the problems. Your deck maintenance is important as it can help in minimizing some of these problems; Hopefully you can notice them early before they get out of control! If you think you need deck repair or replacement services, call a professional to do the job.
For more information, please call Born Carpentry of Andover, MN, at 612-747-8003.
