Springtime is the perfect time to evaluate the health of your deck. The weather is finally becoming beautiful again and you want to have a functional deck area to spend time on this season. You must be thoroughly inspecting your deck at the beginning of each deck-using season for tell-tale signs of wear and tear. Your deck may simply need sanding or a couple of bolts tightened, but if you become aware of these five red-flags it may be time to contact Distinctive Deck Designs to install a brand-new, quality deck!
Test your railings
If your railing posts feel wobbly or loose when you touch or shake them, this is a sign that your deck may be becoming unstable. Railing posts loosen over time so replacing your deck with Distinctive Deck Designs will help to assure your railing is secure for years to come.
Check for discoloration
Wood decks weather over time, even when they’re built with pressure-treated wood and stained or painted regularly. Stains and discoloration are big signs that you should be looking into replacing your deck. Our products are durable and have incredible staying power. You’ll be investing in materials that will keep their color and finish despite heavy foot traffic and other elements.
See if you can find rot
Even if you can’t spot visual rot, a sagging deck indicates its presence. Rotting wood also becomes susceptible to termite damage, which further weakens its stability. When you examine the deck and regularly find more hardware on the ground—or you replace screws that don’t hold the frame or have the same effective purchase—that’s another indicator that it’s time to replace your deck.
Hire a professional if your deck is older than current regulations
Hire a professional to inspect your deck if it’s more than six years old. Someone with prior knowledge of deck aging properties will know what to look for. Since Virginia has dramatic seasonal changes, those temperatures can dramatically affect your deck’s structure and stability.
After the thorough inspection of your current deck, contact Distinctive Deck Designs to request a free, design consultation! Our team is dedicated to designing a deck that is high-quality and matches the design aesthetic of your current outdoor area.
