5 Signs Your Deck Needs Repair Before Summer

If you own a home in the Springfield area, your deck probably sees a lot of action from Memorial Day through October. But after a few Missouri winters, even a well-built deck can start showing its age.

Here are five signs it's time to call someone before you host your next cookout:

1. Soft or Spongy Boards

Walk across your deck barefoot. If any spot feels soft, spongy, or gives under pressure, that's rot. It only gets worse -- and it's a safety hazard, especially with kids running around.

2. Visible Cracks and Splits

Small cracks in deck boards are normal wear. But when cracks run deep, splinter, or follow the grain across multiple boards, the structural integrity is compromised. We see this a lot on older decks in Nixa and Ozark.

3. Loose Railings

Grab your railing and give it a solid push. If it wobbles or feels loose at the posts, it needs to be re-secured. Loose railings are one of the most common -- and dangerous -- deck issues we fix.

4. Pulling Away from the House

The ledger board is what connects your deck to your house. If you can see a gap forming between the deck and the siding, or if the bolts are rusted or pulling out, stop using it and call someone immediately.

5. Fading, Graying, or Pealing Finish

This one's cosmetic -- until it isn't. A deck that's lost its protective finish is absorbing water every time it rains. That moisture is what leads to rot, mold, and soft boards.

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The bottom line: Deck repairs are cheaper than deck replacements. If you're seeing any of these signs around your Springfield-area home, give us a call. We'll come take a look, give you an honest assessment, and let you know what it'll take to get it safe again. Get a Free Quote