Why Are There Holes In Your Deck?

Unfortunately, weather events like wind, rain and snow can cause damage to your deck. While rain can soften and weaken the wood, hail can cause pockmarks to form, resulting in fraying and chipping on the surface. The good news is that there are tips and tricks to make your deck last longer and protect it from the elements. Contacting deck services in Edmonton can also help with minor or major repairs to ensure the integrity of your deck’s structure. Here are a few ways to inspect your deck for damage and prevent any further destruction.

Inspecting Your Deck

The first step in inspecting your deck is clearing away any branches, snow, ice or debris to see what damage the weather has left behind. Once you can clearly see your deck, you should look for signs of warping, splitting or cracking boards. Some other questions you may want to ask yourself during the inspection include:

• Is there any evidence of dry rot?
• Are the boards discoloured?
• Are there any splinters protruding from the deck?
• Is there any mould growth?

If there was a recent hail storm, you may find that your deck is missing boards, your siding has been blown off or your shingles are missing. You can also inspect your downspouts for dents, as this can indicate that hail has damaged your home. Once you’ve inspected your deck, you’ll have a better idea of which areas of your deck have been damaged and need some extra care.

Contacting Repair Services

If you find that your deck has sustained damage, the next step is to contact deck services in Edmonton. Enlisting the help of an experienced professional can give you the confidence that your deck will look as good as new and that the job will be done efficiently and correctly. In addition, an expert can determine whether the damage is extensive enough to start a claim with your insurance company. Depending on the type of coverage you have, your insurance may be able to cover some of the cost of your deck repairs.

Whether you’re interested in deck installation in Edmonton or repairing your existing deck, leaving it in the hands of a professional rather than trying to tackle the project on your own and run into costly mistakes can make all the difference. 

Preventing Further Damage

Even if you decide to hire a professional to repair your deck, there are still a few steps that you can take to lengthen your deck’s life. Firstly, washing your deck annually can help remove bacteria or debris that has accumulated, prevent dry rot and maintain its shine. Be sure to choose a cleaning solution that contains an acid or non-chlorine base as opposed to a chlorine base, which can dull the wood’s natural colour. Afterward, you can apply a stain, which can protect against water damage, ultraviolet light and mildew.

Although it may be tempting, don’t use salt to clear snow from your deck. Not only can it dry out the wood, but it can also damage other components of your deck, such as screws, nails and joist hangers. Salt can also cause corrosion, which can compromise your deck’s foundation and make it prone to collapse. You should also steer clear of ice melt, as it often contains harmful dyes and colourants. Using a broom with soft bristles to remove snow from your deck is the best way to prevent water damage. 

Protecting your deck against damage can be a time-consuming process. Contacting deck services in Edmonton can assure you that your deck is in good hands and will emerge looking as good as new. Call Handyman Connection to learn more about our deck repairs and installation