There’s nothing better than a night spent outside on the deck, but just like any other part of your home, deck repairs in Overland Park are required from time to time. Weather, pests, and more can cause structural problems and make them unsafe to walk on.
For some severe issues, it may be necessary to replace your deck entirely. However, in many cases, a repair will correct the problem and extend the life of your deck. Overland Park Deck Builder (https://overlandparkdeckbuilders.com/), a deck builder expert in Overland Park, KS, pointed out that there are several signs a homeowner can look out for that indicate it’s time for a repair and we’ve compiled seven of these signs for you. Do you see any of these signs on your deck?
Dry Wood Rot
There are two different kinds of wood rot: wet and dry. Dry rot is a fungus that eats away at wood and causes it to decay, and it’s a common problem for wooden outdoor decks. The key to repairing dry rot is to catch it early. Since it is a fungus, it spreads quickly and it’s important to catch it before it spreads to important parts of your deck. If dry rot reaches joists or beams, it can quickly compromise the structural integrity of the entire deck.
It’s a good idea to check around your deck frequently for dry rot, keeping an eye out for any flaking or crumbling. The fungus itself looks like a mushroom. Repairing the damage will involve removing the rotten wood from your deck, as well as three feet of wood surrounding the rot as a cushion, and replacing it with new wood.
Wet Wood Rot
Wet rot is also a type of fungus, but it’s less destructive than dry rot. Instead of eating away at the wood itself, this fungus feeds off of moisture. Wet wood rot on outdoor decks is often caused by leaks or high humidity, but it develops over a long period of time, meaning that you’ll likely find the leak before there’s damage. It’s important to prevent any pooling around the bottom of your deck, as well as applying proper sealant to the wood.
Common signs of wet rot include a musty smell and wood that feels soft or appears darker than usual. If wet rot has progressed far enough, you’ll need to replace the affected boards.
Weather Damage
Depending on where you live, weather will affect your outdoor deck in different ways. In some areas, high winds are common in the spring and can pose a risk to your deck. Often when wind storms blow through, they scatter debris through your yard and onto your deck, potentially causing damage to floorboards and rails.
Rainstorms can cause harm to the deck as well, especially if your drainage is not good. Be sure to watch for any pooling around the bottom of your deck, as this can lead to mold and rot. When you build a deck, also be mindful of any trees nearby. In cases of high winds, large branches may be sent tumbling onto your deck- or worse, your roof. If you see that a large branch has fallen on your deck and caused damage, call a professional to have the damage assessed as soon as possible.
Believe it or not, extreme heat can affect your deck as well, especially when paired with high humidity. Heat can actually shrink the wood, and humidity expands it. The rapid change from expanding to shrinking and back can weaken the wood and cause it to warp or buckle.
Broken or Loose Railings
Whether your deck is close to the ground or higher up, you never want there to be a risk of falling from it. Loose railings can be incredibly dangerous. Not only could someone fall if they lean on a loose deck railing, there’s also a risk of items falling from an unstable railing and injuring someone or damaging property below.
If you have a loose railing, the bolts may be damaged or rusted. If the railing has broken entirely, you may need to replace the broken section.
Erosion
Depending on the style of your deck, you may have posts holding the deck up or it may be built on a base at ground level. Either way, erosion can happen over time. You’ll need to keep an especially close eye out for erosion if you live in an area that experiences large amounts of rain or if your deck is built into the side of a hill.
If you notice that the ground is starting to wear away around the bottom of the deck, be sure to call a professional to help you repair it as soon as possible.
Loose or Cracked Floorboards
Have you noticed the floorboards of your outdoor wood deck wobbling when you step on them? It’s easy to ignore a loose floorboard, but they pose a tripping hazard and should be taken care of quickly. Floorboards may crack or come loose due to weather or age, and cracking does not necessarily mean your deck is falling apart – it happens naturally as wood ages.
The repair process is fairly straightforward, and homeowners can usually do it themselves. However, if there are several loose boards at once or they seem to be cracking one after the other, this may indicate a larger problem.
Pests
Pests are another common problem with wooden decks. When you think of pests and wood, your first thought may be termites, but they aren’t the only ones who can damage your deck. In addition to termites, carpenter bees and carpenter ants can also cause problems.
Termites feast on wood, while carpenter bees drill tunnels through it and carpenter ants destroy it in order to build nests. Watch out for wood shavings or holes mysteriously appearing, as well as any sunken wood or the bugs themselves running around.
It’s also a good idea to go around and knock on the wood every now and again. If it sounds hollow, that’s an indication of a potential bug problem.
Prevention and Repair
Fortunately, many deck repairs can be done by the homeowner, but some require more expertise and should be done by a professional. The best thing you can do for your deck is to take preventive steps against damage.
Check on your deck frequently, minimize exposure to moisture,and address any problems you find as soon as possible.
