Construction & Contractors Blog
Nothing is more relaxing than chilling on your deck as you barbecue, read your favourite books and watch the summer days go by. However, you can only enjoy this outdoor space if your deck surface is in excellent condition. A worn deck is not only an eyesore, but it can also be dangerous if it caves.
Unfortunately, you may not be able to tell whether your deck needs resurfacing until it's too late. You will pay more for repairs or even risk getting hurt if the deck caves in on you. Look out for the following signs that it's time to resurface the structure and contact a contractor immediately.
Presence of Mould on Wooden Deck
If you have a wooden deck, you should look out for the presence of mould and mildew. Mould tends to grow on wet surfaces, and since your deck is installed outdoors, it suffers exposure to moisture from rain. If left on the wood, mould causes rot and decay, which can compromise the stability of the decking.
Conduct a visual inspection of the deck's surface and its sides. Look out for mould which may be black, grey, yellow or green. If present, you may need to resurface the decking. Walk around the surface and feel for any spongy or soft parts that indicate decay. You need to resurface the decking and restore its strength and functionality.
Damaged Wood
Most decks are constructed using sturdy hardwood materials such as redwood and cedar. These are insect-resistant, and when pressure-treated, they can hold up well in high-moisture areas. However, over time, the wood may start to deteriorate due to impact, weather conditions or old age. In this case, it starts to crack, chip or decay.
Inspect your deck for any physical damages on the wood. Is it in excellent condition, or are there parts that are severely cracked or chipped? Not only does damaged wood ruin your decking aesthetics, but the sharp, broken pieces can hurt you. Contact a contractor so they can inspect the deck and determine whether to repair or replace it.
Loose Boards and Fixtures
Your decking construction comprises of timber boards joined together with nails and screw boards. Due to weather and temperature changes, the deck expands and contracts, and this can cause the wood and fixtures to become loose. You may notice that certain parts of the structure squeak when you step on them.
Loose fixtures can be a hazard, especially if they are poking out of the wood. They also compromise the structural integrity of the deck and can set you up for a disaster in the future. Thus, if you notice squeaking or see screws poking out of the wood, it may be time to resurface the deck.
Deck resurfacing restores the appearance and functionality of the structure and allows it to serve you for an extended period. Contact a contractor for professional repair and resurfacing services.
For more information, contact a contractor about decking repairs.
Share15 October 2019
Welcome to my blog, my name is Blake and from now on, I will be writing a series of blogs which will deal with the process of finding and working with contractors when constructing a new building. I am not a construction specialist but last summer I gained a lot of experience in this area when I hired a team of 32 contractors to build a holiday home. When hiring contractors, it is important that you understand how to communicate with them and their ways of working. Below are a series of blogs which will help you to find the best contractors.