5 Signs You Need to Repair Your Deck

 Mar/11/2021      467 Why you should repair your deck.

 

Having a deck has a lot of benefits. They can add visual appeal. They can connect doorways to the ground floor when a home is elevated. They can provide an even place to dine, entertain or relax. While decks can add value and enjoyment to homeowners, they don’t come without maintenance.

It’s important to regularly inspect your deck for warning signs of damage. Common deck repairs include removing rusted nails, tightening loose screws, replacing loose rails or fixing broken floorboards. Depending on your deck material, you will also need to maintain the look of your deck including refinishing it or repainting it.

If you want to continue to enjoy your deck and provide a safe environment for yourself, your family and your guests, you will need to maintain your deck. Here are five signs you need to repair your deck and call a contractor.

1. Your wood is rotting.

Wood rot is dangerous. If it’s left untreated, the rot can cause structural damage which could lead to physical harm. Check your deck for signs of rotting. If you see any, contact a deck contractor right away to replace the damaged wood.

2. Deck footings are dropping.

If your concrete footings were built on soil, the ground can shift over time, making your deck unstable. The concrete can crack or drop. If you notice signs of your concrete cracking, it’s time to fix your footings.

3. Deck boards that crack or splinter.

If you have a few deck boards with cracks or splinters, you can probably repair them yourself. However, if you’re seeing many deck boards with issues, it may be time for a new deck or significant refacing. You can extend the life of your deck by properly staining, painting and sealing it, but eventually all decks need to be replaced.

4. Rails are loose or deteriorating.

Loose rails are a serious safety hazard. Imagine someone reaching for a rail, it brakes, and they fall? If someone gets injured on your property, you are at fault, not to mention how you’ll feel. If you find a loose railing, call a deck contractor right away to repair it.

5. You purchased a home with an existing deck.

Decks require maintenance, and not all homeowners have the means to keep them maintained. If you have recently purchased a home with a deck, a deck contractor can inspect the deck for signs of ware and tare and let you know what repairs or maintenance need to be done. If you have ordered a home inspection, the inspector should also include any deck issues they see in their report.

HomeContractors101 can connect you with a deck contractor near you for free. Simply submit your home improvement project online through our short and secure web form, and we’ll get to work matching you with contractors near you, ready and able to get to work. Give it a try now.