In most cases, signs of any wood damage to your deck should be assessed immediately to reduce further damage, decrease the cost of repairs, and for obvious safety concerns. You do NOT want a situation where people are walking or standing on a dangerous structure. This is especially true for second story and elevated wood decks. As with any wood structure, you should have it checked every year for integrity and safety, or every couple of years at the least.
The picture above shows what could happen if your ledger failed on your deck.
The ledger provides much of a deck’s strength; it supports the joists at one end, and it provides stiffness to the framing.
Don’t let this happen at any of your properties!
Here are a few things to look for that can severely threaten the safety of your deck:
Termite Damage
Termites are the catalyst for many of the most common wood related problems we see here in San Diego. They damage wood from the inside out, creating a potentially disastrous scenario that can be incredibly difficult to catch.
Water Damage
If your deck is not properly treated, almost any source of water can be damaging to your wood. On the other hand, properly sealed and treated wood can succumb to water damage over time from constant, chronic sources of water, such as: leaky gutters, pipes, or poor drainage. It’s always important to keep an eye on water sources around your wood structures.
Rotting of Posts
Decks are typically anchored by wood posts that are cemented into the ground. These posts are subjected to the soil and other natural processes, leading them to eventually decay over time. If these posts begin to rot, there are absolutely no excuses for choosing to not get them replaced.
Joist Damage
A joist is a piece of timber that runs along the bottom of a floor or deck. These beams hold up the weight of the structure and need to be checked for softness. Damage in the joists of your deck can be difficult to fix if the damage is caused by rusty metal brackets, nails, or screws that tend to affect all the joists rather than just a small section.
Twisted, Crooked, or Sagging Frames
If the frame of your deck begins to twist, sag, or go crooked; there could be considerable damage to the wood. The frame is an important aspect of your deck, helping to maintain the overall shape and structure. If you can see visible issues with your deck frame, you need to get it inspected by a professional immediately.
Setup Your Assessment Today!
At Best-Rate-Repair, we strive to provide honesty, great service and professionalism with every project we take on. Give us a call today at (619) 229-0116 for a proposal!
