A deck might be a subtle part of the house but this is where most of the memories are made. May it be spending some time alone or with your friends and family members at night, your deck should be in perfect condition to unwind and relax. But decks due to external factors and weather conditions tend to suffer wear and tear. It is normal for decks to have cracks and damage. Some people tend to ignore it but some signs could mean that your deck needs replacement and you should hire a deck builder for the purpose. Here are some signs you should know when it is time for a replacement. This will help you prevent excessive amounts of money on repairs.
Wood Rot
Wood rot is the most common sign especially when your deck has neared its lifespan. It can take place due to a variety of reasons and can happen even if you were to look after your deck. Wood rot is one of the most serious issues that is mostly caused by moisture breaking down the wood over time. If it is left unchecked, rot can spread and could lead to weakening of the deck’s structure.
If the structure happens to be weak, it could collapse anytime when someone walks over it and could lead to serious injuries. In addition to moisture causing wood rot, poor ventilation is also a considerable reason. Your deck is supposed to have a proper drain to let the rainwater exit when the weather conditions turn extreme.
Most people are not aware of this and have to face wood rot a lot sooner than they think because the water pools after rain in different spots and promotes wood rot. If you notice wood rot in its early stages, you should take immediate steps to control it.
Boards Are Cracking Or Splitting
Another important sign that your deck needs replacement is the boards cracking or splitting. You need to keep in mind that like many other materials, wood also reacts to temperature changes and expands and contracts. When this happens a lot, the boards start showing the damage in the form of cracks. Some people ignore small cracks, but these cracks turn bigger quite soon.
The problem with cracks getting bigger is that you cannot control them at their worst and it leads to structural problems. However, if you inspect your deck and find there are small cracks, you can use a sealant to cover them. But, if you find cracks and splits all over the deck, you will need proper fixing because a sealant won’t work.
In this case, you will need to consult an expert who is going to personally visit and inspect the deck. If the deck comes out to be weak and can collapse in the coming days, they will need to work on it as soon as possible.
Wobbly Deck Railings
Railings are a great safety feature if you have toddlers or kids who are used to wandering around the house without being noticed. If the railings tend to be a risk, it will become a threat to the kids and other family members as well.
The reason is that railings are also used by the elderly or those who have difficulty going up and down the deck. This is where railings come into use and need to be strong and steady. If you observe that the railing and the deck is wobbly all of a sudden, it means the deck will need to be worked on.
But, in some cases, you may be able to fix the situation by replacing a few fasteners. But, if the railings themselves turn weak or deteriorate, a complete replacement is going to be needed to ensure the deck’s safety.
Loose Or Rusted Nails And Fasteners
Loose or rusted nails and fasteners are more than just an eye sore. They can seriously injure toddlers, kids, and anyone else if they come in contact with them. Above all, they can also cause people to trip over. This means if your deck has loose nails, they are not only an inconvenience, they are also a hazard.
Rusted fasteners mean that the metal parts of the deck are corroding. This could lead to a weakening of the joints, making the deck a lot less sturdy than it is. If you observe that there are a few nails and fasteners i.e. one or two, you can replace them using the right tools.
But, if you observe that the same condition is persisting across the deck, you will need to consult an expert as it is a sign of concern.
Furthermore, if you have a pergola and its nails and fasteners are loose or rusted, then consult pergola builders Long Island for either repairing or replacing the pergola.
Mold, Mildew, And Water Damage
Both mold and mildew are one of the worst enemies of wooden decks. These factors indicate that water is seeping into the deck’s wood. If you observe green or black spots forming, it means it is essential to clean them and look for potential reasons that might be causing an issue.
But if you find out that the reason behind mold and mildew is a lack of maintenance or cleanliness, you will have to step up your maintenance game. On the other hand, if the mold and mildew have been there for a while, it could be that there are some cracks or damages as well.
In this case, you will either need to repair or replace the deck. While some mold can easily be scrubbed away, persistent water damage means the wood underneath has begun to deteriorate. In such a case, replacing those sections of the deck is the best course of action.
Sagging Or Bouncy Decking
A sagging or bouncy decking is usually a result of the posts or joists beneath the deck becoming weakened over time. This is due to rot, moisture, and even termites causing damage to the structural elements. Eventually, these structures can fail and cause injuries.
If you walk over the deck and feel it is sagging or bouncy, it means the entire deck will need replacement. Keep in mind that replacing some sections of the deck in these cases is going to be a lot more expensive. So, save up the money and get the entire deck replaced. The same is true about pergolas. Install a new pergola instead of repairing it.
Age Of The Deck
Most decks can last over 20 years if you maintain them well. But, sooner or later, you will need to get the entire deck replaced simply because the wood and other materials come with a lifespan attached to them so they will wear over time. In such a case, you will need to get a new deck installed.
Unfortunately, there is nothing you can do about it or stop it if your existing deck has neared its lifespan. If you have the budget, you can install a new one. If not, simply, have it removed.
Conclusion
The signs mentioned above should be considered and regular inspections and maintenance should be performed. Keep in mind that you should choose an expert deck contractor Port Jefferson for a thorough inspection and maintenance. This will help keep your deck in perfect condition for years to come.
