4 Signs That You Need Repairs For Your Wooden Deck
A wooden deck can be a wonderful addition to your home, giving you and your family or friends an excellent outdoor hangout space, or just giving you a quiet little sanctuary to escape and just enjoy the outdoor areas of your home. Your home’s deck is a major investment both in the value of your home and in its aesthetic beauty, which makes it extremely important to ensure that your deck stays in great condition all throughout the year, and that you have the name of a professional wood repair company, like Orange County Painting Pros, in case issues ever arise. Eventually, every wooden deck is going to require some form of repair or replacement, and it definitely pays to make sure you know what to look out for to identify any signs of damage to your wooden deck and get it the repairs it needs to keep the damage from spreading or getting any worse. To help you identify these issues before they have a chance to spread, we have put together a short list of some of the more common signs of damage you can look for that will indicate when you should invest in wooden deck repairs.
Cracks & Crevices In Boards
Every so often, it is a good idea to take a good look around your wooden deck and see if you can spot any cracks in the wood or any surface board chipping and curling. These are usually going to be the first signs of damage that pop up when your wooden deck is suffering damage. You might come across splinters that jut out of some of the boards, which can also be a danger if you, your family, or your friends are prone to walking around on it while barefoot. If the boards on your deck are treated, and you notice that they are starting to look dull or discolored, it could mean that the seal is wearing out and your boards are becoming more susceptible to cracking and curling than they normally would be.
Loose Guardrails
Every so often while you are outside on your wooden deck, it is a good idea to grab your wooden guardrails and give them a gentle shake to see if there is too much give. If you notice that the railing jiggles, it’s a good sign that you should probably have that looseness looked at. The first thing you will want to do is walk around and make sure that all of the screws and nails are firmly in place, and if it still quivers, you will want to call in a contractor. If you ignore it, loose railings could easily result in a fall, potentially injuring you, your family, or friends.
Faulty Stringers & Treads On Stairs
If you hear a creaking sound every time you walk up the stairs to your deck, it might be an indication that there is an issue with the treads or the stringers. Over time, the steps of your deck’s staircase tend to loosen, causing them to become highly susceptible to a major accident. You will want to have these professionally repaired to help minimize the risk of a major fall or incident.
Rotten Posts
One of the best ways to prevent a major accident from occurring on your deck is by making sure you have the supporting posts beneath it professionally inspected every so often. These posts work to hold your deck in place, and any problem with them could result in your entire deck coming down, especially during any times where it has heavy foot traffic, like at a party. It is good to have a professional come out and take a look under your deck every so often to ensure that there are no signs of decay, and always take note if your deck ever feels shaky while you are walking on it.