A deck is an extension of your home. It gives you added space to entertain and relax in.
It is like adding an extension to your living space without the cost involved in a major house renovation. The only downside is that you may need a deck repair or maintenance on occasion.
Decks get a lot of wear and tear from the natural elements. The sun and rain beat down on the surface. Pollen and sap from the surrounding trees coat the finish. In time, decks can become worn, start splintering and even become compromised. That is when you need to call in deck repair specialists.
Let’s look at some of the more common deck repair issues and why they can happen.
Water Damage to the Deck Boards
Wood fibers soak water up like a sponge. As the wood fibers expand, it causes damage to the structure of the wood deck board. This compromises the integrity of the board, which, in time, will need to be replaced.
The standard preventative measure is to apply a sealant product to the wood to prevent the water from getting in. The problem is sealants need to be reapplied every few years to ensure protection. Many homeowners neglect to reapply the sealant, which leads to water infiltration and damage. That is when a deck repair is needed.
Gaps Between Deck Boards
Wood can shrink over time, especially if it has no sealant or stain protection. As the wood shrinks, it opens up gaps between its neighboring boards. This can cause a tripping hazard and require a deck repair.
The only solution to this problem is to remove the shrunken boards and replace them with new ones.
Structural Weakness
Your deck should feel solid and never move when you walk across it. If you feel even the slightest movement, your deck may have a developing structural issue that you will want to get fixed immediately.
It could be the deck is detaching from the ledger board holding it against the house. It could also be a post or beam that is rotting and starting to shift. It could be the concrete in the footer is deteriorating.
No matter what type of deck repair you need, you need to let the decking experts handle it. They can quickly determine the problem and get the repairs done to professional standards. Call Echols Roofing & Home Improvements today.
