Whether you like it or not, winter is coming. This is a good time to ensure your deck is structurally sound to prevent collapse and damage. Not only will it give you and your family some peace of mind, but it might also help you avoid a costly repair in the future. Review this checklist to ensure your deck is tough enough to handle the upcoming winter.
Loose Railings - Give your railing a good tug. Is it wobbly, unsteady, or leaning too much in one direction? This should be addressed to prevent further damage, especially before heavy winds and snow arrives. Secure the railing by tightening any loose screws or fasteners.
Support Posts - Check your support posts for signs of rust and moisture damage, which can typically occur where it meets the ground. It's important to address this as the rot can continue up the post if left untreated.
Cracked Concrete - If your support posts are resting on top of concrete blocks, inspect the condition of the concrete and look out for cracks or crumbling.
Loose Ledgers - Ledgers ensure that the deck stays attached to the house. If the ledger is decaying or improperly fastened to the house, this could lead to an eventual collapse.
Rotted Wood - Not sure if your wood is rotting? Look for mildew, dark colouring, cracks in the wood, or a soft spongy texture. If you think your deck is rotting in some areas, have these specific boards replaced before winter arrives or it could become more damaged.
Loose Screws, Nails, and Fasteners - Look for things like rusted screw heads, loose fasteners, or nails that are sticking out on the surface of your deck. If you see any of these signs, it could mean there is a problem underneath. Fix these issues as soon as you can.
Heavy Furniture - Consider removing your furniture before winter hits, especially if they are heavy. The combination of furniture, snow, and ice can add too much weight to your deck, so try to take any pressure off before the snow hits.
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