Decks, just like any other part of your homes exterior, are constantly exposed to the elements. As a result, eventually your deck will begin to fail. If your deck looks worn out but you have still used it with no issues, you may be wondering why you would need to replace your deck. However, sometimes the signs that your deck is in need of a replacement can be subtle. Check out this guide to see some of the signs you may have overlooked:
Rot
When it comes to rot, there are two kinds that can affect your deck. The first is the most obvious, your run-of-the-mill rot. If you deck is exposed to high levels of moisture, and especially if it wasn’t finished properly, moisture will make its way into your boards and cause havoc to your decks frame. However, there is another kind of rot that can affect your deck called Dry Rot. Dry rot occurs when fungus gets into your decks boards and eats away at the cellouse in the wood which gives the deck its strength. Dry rot appears in long sheets, either grayish or white, and will make its way through your whole deck if left to spread.
Loose Railings
Another sign that your deck needs to be replaced is if your railings are loose. While you may be able to get away with simply replacing the loose railings, they may be a sign that you have some rot damage in your deck. At the very least, loose railings are a safety hazard, particularly for children, and you should replace any loose railings as soon as possible.
Cracked Boards
If you find any cracks in your deck boards, its a sign that the wood is nearing the end of its life. While the wood may not fail today, or tomorrow, it will in the near future, and it could cause injuries to someone if left to continue cracking. While minor cracks are nothing to worry about, if your boards are splitting down the middle, consider replacing them to increase your decks lifespan.
Failing Ledger Board
Your ledger board is what attaches your deck to your home. If your ledger board is breaking away from your home, or if your deck is breaking off of your ledger board, you will need to replace the board as soon as possible. If your ledger board fails completely, your entire deck could fall away from your home. Even if your deck itself is in perfect shape, if your ledger board fails, you could lose your whole deck. Therefore, if you notice that the board is failing, be sure to replace it as soon as you can.
Have more questions about replacing your deck? Reach out to our team at (781) 893-4546 or by filling out our online contact form! We look forward to hearing from you today!