Is your backyard deck looking a little shabby? If you're a homeowner in Australia, it's definitely important to look for signals that show when a deck needs some tender loving care. Heavy rains, scorching sun, and, of course, pesky termites make your deck age more rapidly than you'd expect. And the signs, if ignored, could become a matter of safety or cause the entire deck to collapse. So what are the signs you have to watch out for?
Splintering and warping boards are definitely one of the first indications that the wood is beginning to break down. An indication you need to take care of immediately is wobbly railings, ledger board rot where the deck meets the house, and loose nails popping up.
Spongy, soft spots underfoot are a great danger sign that the structural integrity has failed, probably because of wood rot. Now, the presence of those constant munching notorious Australian termites at your property can require some very swift damage control.
If any of these 6 signs are evident, then it's time to call up the deck repair professionals to put your outdoor oasis back in shape. Whether you’re looking to restore the deck or explore best decking materials for a more durable solution, choosing the right materials can help extend the life and aesthetics of your outdoor space.
1. Visible cracks or splits in deck boards
Any crack or split that one sees on any of the boards of a deck is a sure sign that the repair will soon be needed. They are not only unsightly and unattractive but also increasingly widened which slowly but surely reduces the structural integrity of the boards. Moisture sneaks in through the cracks, whether it is through water, rain, or humidity, causing the wood to rot and the board to decay.
The damaged boards may also be risky to step on, as they are risky to splinter or break. It is advisable to deal with cracking or splitting boards immediately after observing the issue, as this can keep the deck safe and looking best while avoiding future escalation into something bigger and more expensive.
2. Loose or wobbly railings
If you're sitting on the deck and can tell the railings are getting a bit shaky, it's definitely time to think about some repairs. Loose or wobbly railings are more than annoying, though. They can be downright dangerous, especially with kids running around or pets.
You don't want anyone to accidentally topple over the edge. Plus, just having the whole deck looking shabby and not cared for is bad enough as it is. Not quite a great look when wanting to enjoy a nice BBQ with friends and family outside in summer.
3. Rotten or decayed wood
If you spot some decayed or rotten spots on your deck, perhaps it is high time for amendment repairs. As wood begins to rot, it might grow rapidly and can potentially give way to the entire structure's integrity. Look around for soft, spongy areas; boards that crumble and come off.
You can also notice discoloration, such as dark patches, which indicates moisture seepage and subsequent damage. Even small cracks allow access to moisture and trigger the decaying process. The longer you put it off, the weaker your deck will become; thus doing it as soon as possible is the best option.
Replacement of the rotted boards by sealing everything tight should prevent these and have your deck look good for summer use.
4. Faded or peeling deck finish
And if you've observed that your deck's finish is beginning to look shabby, it might just be high time for some repairs now. The fading, peeling, or cracked appearance of deck stain-sand prominently signifies that wood is not protected from the elements.
Sunlight, rain, and snow, as well as extremes of changing temperatures, will take their toll on the finish of wood at the end of time. Without that protective barrier, moisture may come in contact with the wood and result in rotting, warping, and splintering-all leading to ugly conditions both inside and outside the deck.
This in itself affirms that your deck will look shabby and could prove to be a safety issue, with conditions such as splinters and weak spots. As soon as the stain begins to fade or peel away, the deck should be refinished immediately to keep it looking good and structurally sound.
5. Pooling water after rain
Once you see standing water on your deck after a rain, then you can expect a repair task needed on your deck. It is never good to place puddles that keep standing for quite some time after the rain. The water lingers in the wooden structure: the wood rots due to mold and mildew forming inside it, and the wood slowly becomes soft, spongy, and nothing to hold up the structure.
Pooling water presents not only a slipping hazard but also leaves ugly stains across the deck boards. It would also be better to have this resolved at an early stage by an experienced deck repair expert before it becomes even more disastrous and costly to get fixed. THQ can help ensure rainwater drains properly off your deck, keeping it safe and functional.
6. Unstable or squeaky deck boards
See any deck boards loosen to wobble or rattle? Then, the deck repair question is at its highest. Those loose, wobbly decks are not only annoying - they can actually be a safety hazard when you walk on them. The boards begin to part from the decking frame or squeak from someone walking on it-no longer intact.
Of course, over time, moisture and the elements will cause some to curl, rot, or pull free from fasteners. Early detection is critical because the longer you wait, the worse the situation becomes.
In fact, soon you will end up with soft spots whose surface can even fall through or with boards popping up, and thus creating a tripping risk. Inspect thoroughly and, as soon as you spot those signs of instability, repair or replace the affected boards.
