A deck is a bonus feature that not every home has, adding valuable outdoor living space. To be able to enjoy this space, you want to ensure that your deck is safe, structurally sound, and built up to code. Older decks age from weather and use, which is why it’s important to regularly inspect your deck. Learn about 3 signs your deck needs to be repaired below.
If you do not have a deck to inspect, learn about how to hire a deck company here and have a deck built for you to enjoy this summer.
Loose Railings
If you begin to notice that your railings (both stair and around the exterior) of your deck feel at all loose, it’s worth it to have a pro repair them. A deck has many components to keep it sturdy, and if yours is showing signs of loose railings, it’s likely that one of these components is not functioning properly.
A good indicator of whether you should get your railing repaired is if it moves upon being touched. This could be either leaning over your exterior railing or grabbing the railing while climbing the stairs. If it is wobbly in the slightest bit, you should repair it. Catching it early, and repairing it right away, can help to prevent any accidents and protect you and your family.
Rotting Wood
One of the easier warning signs to notice is rotting wood. Decks are exposed to all of the elements (moisture, heat, humidity). Over time, you may begin to see the impact that these elements have on the wood. An easy indicator of wood rot is any sign of mildew, discolouration, or soft spots on the board. If you’re unsure if the wood is soft, use the tip of a screwdriver to test for a soft and spongy feel.
If you believe your wood is rotting in certain areas, have a pro replace those specific boards. Rotting wood becomes weaker the more it is exposed to the elements, so don’t wait to act. Prevent stepping through any boards and repair them as soon as you can.
Cracked Boards
Deck boards are going to show signs of wear and tear, so it’s important to be able to decipher between regular wear or an actual hazard. A lot of the time a cracked board will be associated with a rotting board. However, not always. Keep an eye out for any size crack on a board. If you notice any, have the boards replaced right away.
Small cracks may seem harmless on a huge board, but don’t be mistaken. Small cracks are a splinter hazard and can lead to larger cracks being formed. To decipher between regular wear and tear and a potential hazard, look to see what the depth of the crack is. If it’s deeper than a normal scratch on the board then it should be replaced.
Below are the average costs of Decks & Patio services across different cities in Canada:
| City | Average | Minimum | Maximum |
| Calgary | $11,533 | $100 | $50,000 |
| Edmonton | $12,474 | $1,000 | $50,000 |
| Hamilton | $13,836 | $2,500 | $45,000 |
| Oshawa | $11,450 | $500 | $50,000 |
| Ottawa | $7,965 | $350 | $28,000 |
| Toronto | $13,565 | $135 | $50,000 |
| Vancouver | $6,456 | $300 | $30,000 |
*Costs based on 1264 verified Canadian homeowner reviews as of March 2022
Your deck is meant to be a space for relaxing. Pay attention to these warning signs and have a pro check it out for you. If repairs are needed, get them done right away so you can get back to what the space was built for, relaxing.
Article Updated June 2022.
