Call Us Now! 913-206-1974SCHEDULE A FREE ESTIMATE

Deck Construction in Kansas City – What to Look for to See If Your Deck is Still Safe  

When you have an aging deck, it’s important to inspect it regularly for any signs of deterioration.  Even if you’ve taken excellent care of it, there will come a day when your outdoor retreat starts looking a bit distressed.

While natural wooden decks begin to show wear and tear sooner than those made of a composite material, every deck will eventually need some extra TLC.

Recognize the signs of a failing deck.   

If your outdoor retreat creaks and wobbles, relaxing is the last thing you should be doing on it.  However, your deck’s structural integrity doesn’t have to get to this point if you habitually inspect it for points of weakness.

When you notice the following, it’s time to begin restoration efforts.

Failing fasteners.  Whenever you see loose, protruding, or rusting nails, screws, and staples, your deck has become a safety hazard.  Not only can they lead to cuts and falls, stressed fasteners may mean that the decking boards are warped or straining to support weight.  Practice extra caution if you see rust or corrosion because the fastener could break in a moment’s notice.  Pay special attention to the ledgers.  They attach the deck to the house.  If they’re showing signs of decay, you’ve got a serious problem that needs remedied immediately.

Rotting and cracked wood.  If some of the decking boards feel spongy when you walk on them, this is a good indication that they’re starting to rot.  When they are allowed to fester, the condition will spread to the surrounding wood, and it won’t be long before the entire deck comes crashing down.  This is also the case if you see cracked boards because they’re suffering from dry rot.  It’s without a doubt that all spongy and cracked decking boards need to be replaced with new planks.

Wobbly railings.  Railings are designed to support weight, but if they shift or shimmy when leaned on, don’t trust them!  They may give way unexpectedly.  Other indications that a railing may fail is when sags, breaks, or warping is evident.  Depending on the extent of the weakness, it may be possible to save the railing through reinforcement, but it’s always best to have it checked out by a professional Kansas City deck builder.  If repair or replacement is recommended, take action before a serious injury occurs.

Heaved or dropped footings.  When concrete footers are not set far enough below the frostline, deck heaving will happen.  On the flip side, dropping is the result of footings being poured on disturbed soil.  Regardless of which condition has befallen a deck, it’s highly unstable and should be avoided until a professional can assess the situation.

Concrete supports are cracked or crumbling.  Both elevated and on-grade decks are typically reinforced with concrete.  If your deck has vertical posts resting on concrete piers, inspect the piers to make sure they aren’t cracked in half or crumbling apart.  On-grade decks sit close to the ground and are often supported by blocks or bricks, which are susceptible to the same sort of decay.  Regardless of the type of deck, its supporting features should always be checked regularly to ensure they aren’t in bad shape.

We Care About the Quality of Deck Construction in Kansas City

All Weather Decks has been serving the Greater Kansas City area for over 13 years.  In that time, we have gained the respect of countless homeowners by refurbishing or rebuilding their beloved decks.  We understand the importance of a backyard retreat and empathize when we see that one isn’t safe to enjoy.

Keep in mind that your outdoor retreat is an investment.  When you let it fall into disrepair, it becomes a liability.  Don’t let this happen.

If your deck is showing its age, we would appreciate the opportunity to assess its condition and provide you with a recommendation of possible solutions.  As experts in deck construction in Kansas City, once the work is complete, we’re certain you’ll be dazzled by its beauty and superior craftsmanship.

If you’re ready to renovate or rebuild your dream deck, we’d love to chat with you.  Just give us a call at 913-206-1974 or contact us online today!  We’re eager to build you the RIGHT Deck at the RIGHT price!

HTML Snippets Powered By : XYZScripts.com