Summer is officially here which means outdoor entertainment and family cookouts are in full swing! We all know that most of our family gatherings are held in the backyard, where the kids can play sports and have fun with the slip and slide. It’s also where the adults will be cooking burgers and hot dogs on the grill. But is your backyard deck ready for the fun you’ll be having this summer?
More gatherings in your backyard this season calls for more foot traffic on your deck, so it’s important your deck is in tip-top shape this summer. In this blog, you’ll learn about the common signs that your deck needs repairs or replacing so you can ensure a safe and comfortable area for all of your guests to relax outside this summer.
Keep reading to find out!
UNSTABLE RAILINGS
Are the railings on your deck stable? Shake them to find out! If they’re unsteady, this is definitely a safety hazard as people tend to naturally lean against railings or hold on to them. If the railings are decaying or wobbly, you most likely only need railing repair. But, if you notice decay or warped wood where the railings attach to the deck, you might need to replace the entire deck.
GAPS
If there are gaps between your deck and the house, it most likely means your ledger boards are damaged. The purpose of ledger boards is to keep the deck attached to the house, so if there’s damage, the weight of the deck will cause it to lean away from the house. This is a major safety issue because guests could trip on the gap and fall. Gaps will also allow water to flow through, causing the surface boards and framework to rot.
DAMAGED POSTS
Check for damage or visible rotting around your deck posts. Water damage is one of the most common causes for rotten posts and when this happens, it’s recommended that you stop using your deck and replace the posts as soon as you can. Posts that are rotting or seriously damaged can break at any time, meaning anyone on or under the deck can be injured.
WOBBLY BOARDS
This issue speaks for itself. If you walk on your deck and the boards are wobbly, stop walking on your deck and call Home Repair Service for repairs right away.
STAINS AND DISCOLORATION
It’s normal to see some fading or discoloration on your deck and while this won’t affect the performance, if there’s discoloration all over your deck, this could mean that harsh chemicals or grease from grilling have spilled onto the surface. Over time, these types of substances can ruin your deck’s finish and materials, requiring repairs.
THE AGE OF YOUR DECK
Do you know how old your deck is? If your deck is old and you’re trying to decide between repairs or replacement, think about how much the cost of the repairs would be. If it’s close to the amount of replacement, getting a new deck is most likely your best option.
It’s also recommended to have your deck inspected if it’s more than 5-6 years old, even if there isn’t anything visibly wrong with it. You have to put into consideration how much foot traffic your deck undergoes in a year, as well as the type of weather it’s subjected to.
BIRMINGHAM DECK SERVICES
If you’re not sure where to start when it comes to deck repairs and replacement, give us a call at (205) 358-4963 to discuss your options. At Home Repair Service, we understand how your backyard deck can transform your space, so let us help you create a space you will love.