Now that it’s spring, take time to inspect your deck to ensure it is safe to use so you can get out and enjoy your outdoor space with confidence and without accidents. Take a careful look at each element that makes up your deck, and if it appears something isn’t quite right, have it professionally inspected by a reputable contractor who can guide you toward the best solution.
Read on to discover nine clear signs that you need a new deck.
What to Look for to Detect if Your Deck Needs to Be Replaced
1. Structural Damage
As you inspect your deck, do you see wood rot, warping, sagging joints, or rotten beams? If so, have your deck inspected promptly. It’s likely you need to replace it quickly so nobody gets hurt.
The condition of your deck’s foundation is vital to its safety. Posts, joists, beams, and other components of its support structure can incur damage from water penetration, critters, or simply aging. And it’s nothing to mess with! Don’t risk the possibility of someone getting hurt due to structural damage on your deck.
2. Insecure Ledger Board
Take a look at the place where your deck is attached to your house—called the ledger board. If any part of it has pulled away from your house, or is not secure, have your deck professionally inspected. Heavy snowfall may have played a part in creating the problem, and to avoid accidents, it shouldn’t be overlooked.
3. Wobbly Deck Boards
When you walk on your deck, do the boards wobble? If so, it’s time to consider getting a new deck.
4. Water Intrusion
Decking absorbs moisture from rain and snow. Its sunlit areas dry out quickly, but shaded areas stay wet longer, creating the ideal setup for mold, mildew, and fungus to set in and damage it. If left unattended, wood will rot and insects will invade. Once damage starts, it spreads quickly. Do you notice signs of water damage on your deck? Have it inspected.
5. Pest Infestation
Can you spot any evidence of termite damage—like mud tubes in nearby soil or wood, winged adult termites, or a grayish-brown film on damaged surfaces? Termites can cause serious damage to decking by weakening posts or joists.
If your deck has visible termite damage, it’s important to have it inspected promptly and possibly replaced. Termites tunnel into wood, creating channels that weaken wood’s structure and make it susceptible to rot. If the problem of pest infestation is left unaddressed, things will only get worse, leaving you with more to repair or replace over time and compromising your deck’s safety.
6. Deck Stairs Issues
Check your deck stairs to ensure they are safe and secure. Are they level? Angled stairs are a safety hazard and keep moisture from draining properly.
A deck stringer is the vertical support board that runs along each side or center of your staircase. Treads and risers are fixed into the stringer. Look for missing screws, rotted or weak areas on the stringers, and stair treads that are spongy or splintering. And while you’re inspecting the stairs, make sure its lights are in good working order to ensure safety. If there is a problem with the steps, have your deck inspected.
7. Loose Screws, Bolts, and Fasteners
When your deck’s hardware starts to fail, it is now an unstable structure that could cause an accident if the underlying issues aren’t addressed. Also, if there are undersized or too few bolts on beams, that needs to be dealt with. You may need a new deck. If you spot loose deck hardware, have it inspected by a pro to see the best plan of action from there.
8. Loose Railings
Shake your railings. Are they loose? Railings are vital to safety, so check them often to make sure they don’t wobble. Never disregard a loose railing on your deck because it can create a safety risk.
People tend to put a lot of weight on railings, and if they were to break, somebody could get hurt. Obviously, there are a range of things that could be the culprit—a few loose screws may simply need to be tightened, or loose railings could mean your deck structure is decaying. If your railing is the only place your deck wiggles or looks damaged, you may be able to have it replaced without a whole deck replacement.
9. Balusters More Than 4” Apart
Balusters are the slim vertical pillars installed between deck rails that provide structural safety to the railings. Building codes mandate that they have no more than a four-inch gap between them. This space allows for visibility between spindles (the horizontal pieces connecting balusters), and creates safety for small children from becoming stuck between spindles. If balusters are farther apart than four inches, have your deck inspected.
How Old Is Your Deck?
While inspecting your deck personally is important, if you don’t find anything concerning, it still may be smart to have it professionally inspected—particularly if it is over five years old. Consider how its 24/7 exposure to the weather is impacting it. If it has weathered a lot of rain in its lifetime, an inspection is even more important to ensure it is safe and secure.
Get Gorgeous Deck Design and Installation by Our Reputable Team
Are you on the fence about whether to repair or replace your deck? Reach out to our experienced team for a professional inspection so you can move forward with the information you need to make a smart decision with confidence.
At Craftsman Exteriors, our attention to detail is unmatched. We focus on small things other contractors overlook and take our time rather than rushing through projects. Our experienced team delivers exceptional results you’re sure to love. Learn how our premium deck installation offers the perfect space to relax, unwind, and entertain in your backyard.
