Decks provide clues that’s it’s time repairs or replacement; know what to look for.

Decks perform for us day in and day out. They weather the seasons, along with all the sun, rain and snow Mother Nature brings. Until one day you notice a problem. Here are five signs it’s time to repair or replace your wood deck.

Wood deterioration

Does your deck feel spongy when you walk on it? It might suffer wood rot, which is the result of fungus. As the fungus spreads, it breaks down the wood fibers. Eventually the wood is no longer structurally sound and needs to be replaced.

Other causes of wood deterioration are boring insects and woodpeckers.

If you catch rot early, you may be able to stop its spread by replacing the damaged areas. For widespread rot, replacement will be needed.

Loose boards

Over time wood dries and shrinks. This could lead to loose boards because the deck screws no longer hold—especially if the screws are short. The experts at This Old House recommend replacing short screws with ones that are 2.5 times longer than material being fastened.

Another reason for loose boards is the use of nails instead of screws. Hammering the nails down will help temporarily but eventually they will loosen again. An alternative is to remove the nails and replace them with screws.

Water soaks in

When deck wood is properly sealed, water will bead up on the surface. As the seal ages, it deteriorates and allows water to penetrate. If your deck boards absorb rather than shed water, it’s time to apply a deck seal.

Warping or cupping

Warped or cupped boards are unattractive at best and a tripping hazard at worst. In some cases, you can remove the problem board, flip it over, and reinstall with the curve pointing down. Severely deformed boards may need replacement.

Improper gaps between boards

Seasoned deck boards have a gap of 1/8-inch to1/4-inch along the length. The gaps allow air to circulate and water to freely drain. An improper gap may be due to poor installation or wood shrinkage.

Board gaps that are too tight capture debris and can lead to a dirty deck, mildew and rot. An extra-wide gap is primarily an aesthetic issue.

Calling in a deck professional is the best way to correct narrow or non-existent gaps. Some folks online report a DIY method of widening the gaps with a circular saw, but this could result in cutting the joists. Damage to the joists would weaken the structural integrity of the deck and could be disastrous.

Before repairing or replacing a wood deck

Before doing deck repairs or making a replacement, identify the cause of the problem  and correct it. Ignoring the root cause will lead to déjà vu when the same problem appears in the future.

Preventing future deck damage

Depending on conditions and maintenance, wood decks can be expected to last a couple decades or more. To keep your deck in the best shape possible, practice preventive maintenance.

• Routinely sweep away debris and remove any mold, mildew or algae that appears.
• Power wash once a year, ensuring the pressurized water doesn’t damage the
• Make sure gutters and downspouts direct water away from your deck.
• Extend your deck’s life with a sealer and reapply as needed

When checking the deck for signs of wear or damage, be sure to inspect components on the underside–like joists and beams–as well as those topside–like posts, stairs and railings.

The better you maintain your deck the longer it will last.

When it’s time for new deck

Many people find a deck worth the investment because provides a place to relax and entertain outdoors. If you’re wondering how much a new deck will cost, check out this price calculator from Inch Calculator. If you need extra cash to build your new deck, check out a home equity loan from Consumers.

 

All loans subject to approval. Rates, terms, and conditions are subject to change and may vary based on credit worthiness, qualifications, and collateral conditions.