We’ve all been guilty of ignoring that spongy floorboard or that rusty nail sticking out just a little too much. Warming days and nights are the time to come home and enjoy your deck, not avoid it! Deck repair and replacement are a natural part of your deck’s lifespan. The longer you go without fixing problems, the more likely you are to face larger issues down the line.
What To Look Out For?
Cracks, Warping, Splinters
Cracked, warped, or splintered boards or railings are the obvious first signs of damage. These are common signs of aging due to sun exposure, rain damage, and the weight of hosting family cookouts and housing your favorite furniture.
Rusted and Loose Hardware
Nails you notice popping out of wood, screws that look old enough to drive, or bolts that are just missing in action, all need to be addressed. No one wants their dog or grandma needing a tetanus shot, nor their entire structure collapsing during a dinner party.
Structural Issues
Just like we sag overtime, so do our decks. Uneven stairs, railings, or floors can be an extreme safety hazard. No one wants their relatives at risk of tripping on broken stairs. These signs indicate a rocky foundation, which threatens the integrity of the deck. Like loose hardware, this can lead to a total collapse.
The Most Dreaded Sign of Damage: Rot, Mold, and Infestation
If you know your deck has areas where water pools during a rainstorm, these are the places most prone to rot. If truly rotted, wood will be soft and spongy even if we haven’t had rain in weeks! Already rotting wood is much more prone to attracting pesky little critters like termites and mold.
How Do I know If It’s Time to Replace or Repair?
If the issues you’re facing are something isolated, like a couple of flimsy boards, one faulty step, or a loose railing, a simple repair might be the best choice. Just one or two rusty screws are totally normal and never hurt anybody’s deck.
You’ll need a full replacement when damage is widespread, and the overall structure is at risk. While frustrating, this is an opportunity to update your design and improve your deck for the long-term future. Your Armstrong Construction specialist can help you assess whether or not it’s time to replace or repair; we are here to help with whatever you need.
