Common Deck Repairs -Houston

August 20th / Houston Deck and Fence/ Deck repairs Houston

Deck repairs in Houston are a common occurrence since the leading material is wood, which is more prone to splitting, warping, cracking, and a host of other issues that lead to failure over time. But if you notice rotting, missing boards, cracks, or gaps in your deck, take a deep breath because our deck builders in Houston can help save you the expenses of having to replace the structure by making a few affordable deck repairs that will have you ready just in time for summer pool parties and cookouts.

In this article, we are going to share with you some of the problems you may be facing and discuss the necessary deck repairs Houston homeowners need to do to make it structurally sound and safe for the whole family.

Don’t have time to read this article- give us a call for a free estimate at (281) 545-7740.

13 Deck Repairs for Houston Homeowners

1. CRACKED OR SPLIT DECK BOARDS

Cracked and split deck boards

Our subtropical climate is harsh on wooden structures, from fences and decking to gazebos and pergolas. If you’ve lived in Harris or Fort Bend County, then we don’t need to tell you the amount of rain we annually receive, - 50 inches! Since this is the most significant cause of deck repairs in Houston, let us take a moment to give you a brief lesson on wood rot.  

Wood rot is caused by moisture. This doesn’t just mean rain, as it can easily come from your sprinkler heads facing the wrong direction, a lack of gutter cleaning, swimming pools, etc. Once the wood becomes damp enough to have a 20-30% moisture content, it’s unable, even during our dog days of summer, to dry out the lumber, and this creates a breeding ground for fungus to thrive. What generally ends up happening is that the boards begin to split, crack, or warp.

Another issue besides the boards is that your post, fence, and decking are only as strong and secure as the post that supports the weight. Many deck builders in Houston will take the cost-effective route, and rather than anchoring the post into sufficient concrete, they will stabilize the post in soil or sand or use nontreated timber rather than pressure-treated lumber for the post. Even if you are having a cedar deck built, Houston's preferred choice is to use pressure-treated lumber for the post, as this will prevent moisture from seeping into the boards and post.

The best way to prevent deck and fence rot is to apply stain and seal every three to five years. Over time, especially when a deck is not sealed every three to five years, the boards can begin to split, crack, warp, or decay. This doesn’t always mean your deck is unsafe, but what about your bare feet? The good news is this is not a costly deck repair to make; we will replace the boards and then use a stain and seal to make your deck look good as new for years of fun to come.

2. Rotted Deck Post

If the of the ground and if the deck builder you hired did not use concrete but placed the post directly into the ground then water can seep into the post causing the wood to decay because when wood becomes damp enough to have 20% moisture content its unable even in our dog days of summer to dry out and this is an ideal condition for fungus to grow.  Once the fungus grows, Wood rot occurs when the wood retains moisture until it reaches a specific level, and then the fungus takes root.

When timber becomes damp enough to have 20% or more moisture content, and cannot dry out quickly or is repeatedly dampened, it creates the ideal conditions for wood-eating fungi.

When it comes to deck building, one of the rules is that it’s only as safe and secure as the post that holds it in place. This same rule also applies to fences.

4. ROTTEN DECK POSTS AND BOARDS

Wood rot results from wood that is above a certain moisture threshold. This moisture allows a fungus to grow and eventually destroy the wood.

Wood decks need protection from moisture. Regular application of a stain and/or sealant helps to prevent moisture infiltration. When this protection fails after repeated exposure to the elements, moisture may begin to accumulate in the wood, thereby allowing fungus to form and wood rot to take place.

Moisture can also come from the ground. Deck posts that aren’t correctly installed may be placed directly in the ground. When this happens, moisture can easily penetrate the wood and allow it to rot. Posts should be installed on concrete deck footings in most cases to prevent this moisture problem.

If you find rotten wood on your deck, get it replaced before it collapses.

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5. DISCOLORATION AND FADING

Staining and sealing your deck can prevent premature deterioration

When decks are first installed, a protective stain, sealant, or paint is usually applied after an initial period of drying. This protection can last two to three years, after which time the deck will need to be re-stained and/or sealed. This is normal and necessary to maintain the “health” of your deck.

As the stain color fades, decks will often begin to look gray or discolored. Fortunately, this fading is easily remedied with a new application of stain.

Staining and sealing are fairly simple DIY projects, but a professional can take care of this for you as well.

Keeping your deck sealed against weather and sun is your best bet for extending the life of your deck. Deck stain is much cheaper than most deck repair projects.

6. UNSTABLE RAILINGS AND STAIRS

When you begin to detect wobbling or sponginess in your deck’s railings or stairs, it’s time to get serious about determining the cause and making repairs.

Several forces may cause portions of your deck to wobble and move, including wood rot, termite infestation, damage to rusted nails, screws, and bolts, and incorrect construction and installation.

Determining the cause and the appropriate corrective measure is serious business, and you’ll want to have a professional look at your deck. Not correcting this type of problem is risky and could endanger anyone walking on your deck.

7. PEST INFESTATION AND DAMAGE

As mentioned above, termites may damage a deck to the point of making it dangerous. Other pests that might affect a deck include carpenter bees, woodpeckers, and other birds.

Correcting these infestations and resultant damage will vary based on the duration of the infestation and the extent of the damage. Taking steps to prevent further damage may involve pest treatment from an appropriate pest control or other provider.

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8. FOOTINGS MOVING OR DAMAGED

Footings are concrete pads that are installed under the deck. Most decks will have several footings, one for each post that supports the deck.

For each footing, a hole is dug, and concrete is poured into the hole and allowed to cure. The depth of the hole will vary depending on local building codes and temperatures.

The frost line is the depth above which moisture in the soil may freeze. Soil above this line is subject to movement and heaving upward. If footers are not buried below this frost line, they can move up and down when freezing and warming occur, thus damaging a deck. When water freezes, it expands and tends to make the ground rise. Think about how ice floats. Frozen water below ground behaves similarly to ice floating in a drink.

The depth of the frost line is much more profound in colder regions, and footers must be installed below this depth. If they are installed incorrectly, heaving can occur. Reinstalling footings at the proper depth will be necessary to stop this movement.

Deck posts should be placed on top of concrete footings, in most cases. These footings are usually very stable, but several factors can cause footings to move or deteriorate, making the deck post and the entire deck unstable.

Over time, under the stress of temperature variations, water infiltration, and other causes, footings may crack and crumble. Replacing them with new footings that meet building codes and weather requirements will be necessary. Temporary bracing of a deck is usually required in such circumstances, until the existing posts can be put back on top of the new footings. It is probably a job best left to professional deck contractors.

9. EROSION AROUND FOOTINGS/POSTS

Erosion doesn’t directly or immediately damage a deck. However, if left untreated, it can cause irreparable and possibly total damage to a deck. Decks depend on stable posts. When the soil around the footings that support those posts is disturbed due to drainage issues, this can lead to posts moving laterally, sinking, or being knocked out of place, ultimately leading to the collapse of a deck.

Correcting erosion problems will likely require re-routing drain water coming from gutters and downspouts well away from the deck.

10. SINKING

A sinking deck may be the result of apparent, visible erosion around footings. It may also be the result of less obvious, invisible factors. If the ground below a deck was not appropriately compacted before construction, it can subside or sink. Correcting a sinking deck may require compaction of the soil and/or new footings installed at a lower depth. Helical piers that reach down to a lower level where the soil is compacted might also be employed.

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11. SAGGING

If you have sagging areas on your deck, take steps immediately to have it inspected and repaired. Sagging is often an indication of footings, posts, or joists that are compromised in some manner, meaning the structural integrity of the entire deck may be at risk.

Have a professional inspection of the entire deck to ascertain the cause, then take steps to mitigate the problem as soon as possible.

12. MOLD, ALGAE

Algae and mold make a deck look bad and can damage the wood

Mold is a fungus that can grow on decks when conditions are right. Mold spores can easily blow onto a deck, and when moisture, the right temperature, and a food source are present, mold can begin to grow. It appears as a black or dark green film.

Algae is a green, sometimes slimy, film that can grow on a deck.

Both algae and mold are unsightly and can damage your wood deck. And algae can be dangerously slippery. Removing both is important for the look and longevity of your deck.

Removing mold and algae will likely require a chemical treatment. A power washer can make the problem worse by driving mold deeper into the wood, where it can continue to grow. Chemically treating the problem is your best option. Applying a preventative deck treatment will keep mold or algae from returning after removal.

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13. FALLING LIMBS AND TREES

Trees occasionally shed limbs as they age or die, or due to overloading by ice or snow, or by high winds. Larger limbs can sometimes inflict damage if they happen to fall on a deck. Sometimes an entire tree may come down and do significant damage or even take out a whole deck. In either case, you may want to have a professional check the integrity of the structure to ensure the deck is safe. Limbs easily damage rails and may require replacement. Most important is the underlying support structure. Make sure joists and posts are in good condition.

CONCLUSION

A well-built deck can easily last twenty to thirty years or more. By regularly applying sealants to the deck surface, you can extend the life of the deck by many more years. Deck repairs won’t be nearly as frequent if you can do a bit of deck sealing every couple of years.

At least once per year, carefully examine your deck for water damage, wood rot, splintered wood, broken boards, loose and wobbly boards and stairs, and any other signs of problems directly on the deck itself. Also, verify the integrity of the footings, making sure they are intact and stable.

If you have good carpentry skills, you may want to take on minor deck repairs yourself. However, major deck restoration or deck replacement is usually best left to a reputable deck contractor who will follow all building codes and local permitting requirements. There are numerous safety issues, both during construction and afterward, when a deck is being used. Make sure construction is done correctly.

If you are located in the greater Houston area, Emerson’s Houston deck and fence is ready to help you with your deck repair needs. We can assess the problems with your deck and recommend deck repairs or help you replace your deck if necessary. If you want to add a new deck to your home, we’d love to help you with that, too.

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Contact us now to discuss your deck repair or deck installation needs.