When properly maintained, a deck not only adds value to your home, but also greatly contributes to the enjoyment you will experience as the home owner. However, if regular maintenance is neglected, your deck can become an area of significant concern. While there are a lot of do it yourself tutorials on the internet about deck repair, as an outdoor feature of your home that is subject to the elements during all four seasons and all kinds of temperatures and humidity, sometimes what appears to be a quick fix may simply be a symptom of a much deeper problem.
Whether you elect to take on the project on your own or hire a professional to do the work, the most important consideration for your deck project is safety. You want to know that the deck is safe for you and your guests. You may want to get a professional opinion about the scope of work required and determine if what’s needed falls within your own comfort and ability to remedy.
The big issue with deck repair in Alberta is our weather. The extremes of our annual climate leave your deck exposed to conditions which may make it more susceptible to mold or rot due to moisture both on the surface as well as in crevices and joints that you don’t regularly see. Should your deck surface appear fine because of suitable drainage and direct exposure to sunlight, underneath you might have problems with water collecting and impacting supports and joints that compromise the structural integrity of the whole structure.
It is important to consider that while replacement of some of the components of the deck may address the existing deficiencies, simple replacement may not address the larger issues that contributed to the problem. How will you tend to the ongoing drainage issues and water distribution on the surface and below to extend the effectiveness of your repair? This is where many homeowners are looking to vinyl as a solution. A waterproof floor surface on your deck not only adds to the cosmetic appeal of your outdoor space, but also helps to prevent the damage that is caused by water collection and seepage in all parts of your deck.
Mildew is also a common moisture-related problem. Not only does it detract from the beauty of your outdoor space, but it can also contribute to other problems. Often, mildew can be addressed simply by pressure washing the entire surface, but if improperly done, can further damage the overall finish of your deck.
Other common challenges that make homeowners take note of the need to make repairs include seemingly small but significant issues like popped nails or screws. As these fasteners are exposed to the elements that may become brittle and deteriorate. Individually, this is not a major concern, but as more and more become compromised, it can impact the sturdiness of the frame and the floor surface of your deck that creates a safety concern.
Railings and stairs are two other areas that often generate some attention. If stairs or railings are becoming wobbly, you may need to make them sturdier for safety reasons. Again, as with some of the other situations with your deck, if the deficiency exists due to a larger underlying problem, it is best to identify that up front before committing to a solution that becomes a much larger project later on.
At Alberta Vinyl Decking and Railing, we have worked with homeowners on a variety of deck projects. From designing and building a new deck from scratch to assessing and effectively repairing decks that are showing wear over time. We can recommend the appropriate solutions and materials for the do-it-yourselfer or can assign a team to tackle the project for you. If it’s time to re-evaluate your deck, we welcome you to give us a call to find out what your repair project may involve this year.