If you are the proud owner of an outdoor wooden deck, you are no doubt aware of how perfect the space can be when it comes to entertaining guests, hanging out with the family, or just relaxing on at the end of a long day. What you might not be aware of, however, is just how much wear your deck can sustain over time, and when it is telling you that it’s time for repairs. Here at Oakcliff Painting, we recommend giving your deck a good, thorough inspection at least once every year to get a good idea of the kind of condition it’s in. Your Atlanta painter will help you look out for any of the signs that it might be in need of repairs. There are a number of homeowners out there who don’t know what signs these are to be on the lookout for, however, so in an effort to help you stay on top of things, we have taken the time to put together this handy list of three major issues that you should watch out for that might indicate it’s time to have repairs done.
Missing Connections
Most wooden decks in Atlanta have four major components used during the construction: wood, nails, screws, and solid metal connectors. These connectors are of vital importance to your deck’s underlying structure, and if your connections are missing, loose, or damaged, your deck might not be as secure a foundation as you think. If you or a deck repair professional inspects your deck and see that only wood and nails are present, which could be either from poor construction, lack of maintenance, or a number of other issues, your deck could be a serious hazard to everyone on it. You will want to call in a deck repair professional immediately to help you get the issue sorted out.
Wood Rot
The weather here during the Atlanta spring and summer can get quite hot, and unfortunately, this can create the perfect conditions for wood rot to take hold in your deck. Wood rot can severely compromise the integrity of your deck over a fairly short amount of time, so it pays to stay on top of it. To inspect for wood rot, you or a professional will want to look along your boards and any other structural elements of your deck for any visible signs of rot, including wood discoloration, mold, mildew, or any areas that seem to be softer than others. Any areas of your deck that have started to rot are going to need to be replaced, otherwise the rot can start to spread to other areas of your deck, quickly ruining the entire thing if it gets out of hand.
Cracks In The Wood
While it is somewhat common for cracks in wood to appear over time as the wood ages, and some wear and tear should be expected, wood that is excessively cracked or warped can be a hazard to anyone walking on your deck, especially if you have anyone who enjoys walking barefoot. In addition to providing you with a painful splinter risk, these cracks and warping can weaken the overall structure of your deck, making it more vulnerable to collapse.
