Why snow is hard on decks
Snow is heavy, sits for months and melts slowly against the wood. Shoveling with metal tools also scrapes boards and stain.
Walk the surface
- Boards that flex, feel soft or are cracked
- Popped nails or screws
- Gray, splintering wood that needs sealing
- Water pooling near the house
Check the railings and stairs
Push on every railing section. A railing that moves is a safety risk. Check stair treads and handrails too.
Look underneath
Check posts, beams and the ledger board where the deck connects to the house. Rot, cracks, rust on hardware or a gap at the ledger are structural warning signs. Stay off the deck and have a licensed contractor look at it.
Repair or replace
Surface fixes are handyman work. Structural repairs or a rebuild usually need a licensed contractor and a permit, and inside the Basin, TRPA rules can apply to deck changes.
Need help with this?
Call (916) 494-8868 or send the quote form.
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