when to stain a new deck

6 Ways to Tell If Your Deck Repairs Require a Professional Solution

Now that the holidays are here and you plan to spend them at home, you’re going to need your deck more than ever. That additional space can be a place to entertain your guests, host some barbecues, or relax as you enjoy the outdoors. But all of these will only happen when your deck is in good condition. How do you know if your deck is in the right shape to serve you this season — or, whether it needs some touch-ups? Here are six ways how to tell if you need deck repairs.

1. Discoloration and Stains

Not all kinds of stains are bad enough to affect the performance of your deck. But when you notice something unusual, you need to take time to monitor it and see how far it goes. Widespread discoloration and stains on your deck mean there are serious underlying issues to solve.

Your deck accommodates all types of substances that can interfere with its lifespan. Think of chemicals, food stains, automotive fluids, and cooking grease, which corrode the finish and material. All of these can result in an extensive blemish on your deck, making it unfit for any work.

If you notice widespread deck discoloration and stains, it needs repairs. Sometimes a repair professional may advise you to replace it rather than repairing.

2. Split or Cracked Boards Calls for Deck Repairs

Don’t take those cracks or splits you see for granted. They may be the genesis of even a bigger problem if you don’t fix them on time. Before you think of doing anything on the deck, call a professional to look at the splits and cracks.

Your repairman will also check for the bowing deck boards. They’ll inspect the joists, posts, railing, and sills. A warping deck means it’s enduring too much weight, and it’s only a matter of time before it breaks completely.

You don’t want to wait until something serious happens before you can take action. Replace the boards immediately and save your time and money.

3. Check for Rotted or Decaying Wood

Wood is one of the common types of deck materials you’ll find in homes. Decks made of wood rot over time — especially when exposed to moisture. Standing water, extreme temperatures, or debris can expose the deck boards to rot.

Such substances give room for bacteria and fungus to thrive in the wood, ruining its structure. To check for wood rotting and decaying, pay particular attention to areas that remain wet the longest. Rotted or decayed areas tend to feel soft and spongy.

Check the areas that have splintered, and try pulling a piece off. You can also use a screwdriver to poke and pick off the wood. Take any sign of decay seriously, even if the wood seems to be strong enough.

If you’re certain that there’s decay or rot, work on replacing it immediately. Deck repair professionals will help by replacing the rotten boards and giving you tips to protect the wood from any future rot.

4. Check if Your Deck Is Slippery

Have you tried walking on your deck and noticed that it’s a bit slippery? Well, if there’s no moisture on the surface, then the slipperiness can mean something serious. Maybe you’ve allowed moss, mold, or mildew to have space in the deck, making it quite a hard surface to walk on.

Of all the problems, this one is the easiest to deal with because you only have to clean the deck. A pressure washer can help you do a thorough job and work efficiently. When doing this, ensure you keep it low, so you don’t remove the finish in the process.

If your deck is more exposed to moisture, you can consider using non-slip deck paint. Make sure you clean your deck often to prevent it from getting slippery. Getting professional deck repairs can also be an excellent way to find a permanent solution to the problem.

5. You Need Deck Repairs for Loose Screw Boards

You need to work on fixing an old deck if you notice that nails are starting to pop out. Your deck woods will contract during cold and hot seasons, making the nails slowly pop out. This is something that happens over time, hence why you’ll not notice it immediately.

Popping nails can also mean danger for those walking on the deck barefoot. Fixing this problem may be as simple as hammering the nails back in place. But this means you’ll interfere with the integrity of the wood.

For a few pop-ups, re-hammering may solve the problem. If you notice that many of the nails are coming out, and the wood is cracking, you’ll need to replace the deck.

6. Your Deck Has Termite Damage

Termites can be the number one enemy to deck owners. These insects create tiny tubes in your home, causing permanent damage over time. Sometimes you’ll see termite damages, but at times you need to check for hollows or softwood.

If you don’t take the termite problem seriously, it can spread to your house’s structure and cause even more severe damage. One sure way of solving this problem is to first call the pest control professionals to get rid of the insects.

Once you’re sure that the termites are gone, you can now repair and replace the decks. Call deck repair professionals to replace the boards and the beams. Make sure they take their time to restore the beauty of your deck because the termites can make everything look out of place.

Get a Professional to Repair Your Deck

Even when your deck looks in great shape, you’ll still need a professional to tell you whether it’s good to work on. Professional deck repair contractors have all of the experience necessary to access the status of your deck. Once they check, they’ll tell you whether it’s a minor problem that you can solve yourself or it needs professional deck repairs.

And do you know you don’t have to spend money to have a professional check your deck? Deck Doc is glad to offer you an initial free consultation before recommending a suitable solution for your deck. Give us a call, and let’s help bring your deck back in shape.


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