Cold winter nights, snow, and rain can all wear down different parts of your deck, especially if it’s a few years old. Many homeowners don’t look too closely until a board splits, railings shift, or something just doesn’t feel right underfoot.
If you’re noticing small issues or warning signs, it’s worth paying attention before things get worse. Ignoring damage now can lead to higher costs later and might even put your safety at risk. The signs are usually easy to spot once you know what to look for, so here’s where to begin.
Loose or Wobbly Railings
Your deck railings should feel solid when you press on them. If they rock back or shift when you lean or tug, it’s a warning sign that something underneath may be failing. This is especially risky on a raised or two-story deck, where a broken railing could lead to a fall. Shaky posts often point to wood rot, rusted hardware, or weak footing below. Brackets can loosen over time, especially if they weren’t sealed well or have come into contact with moisture.
You might notice missing screws, warped wood, or a railing that leans just a little farther each season. Even a small wiggle deserves a closer look. These small changes tend to get worse as the seasons shift and materials expand or shrink.
Rusting Hardware and Loose Fasteners
Moisture in the air and steady rain mean a slow breakdown of any metal on your deck. Screws, nails, joist hangers, and attachment plates all play a big part in holding your structure together. Once these start to rust or bend, the support can’t do its job properly.
If you see reddish or orange streaks around screw heads or brackets, that’s the early stage of rust. Nails that pop out of boards or fasteners that move when pressed could mean the wood around them is expanding and weakening. Connections between beams or joists might look fine from a few feet away, but a closer check often shows signs of age or moisture damage.
Humid summers and wet winters speed up metal wear, even if the deck was built solidly in the beginning. Hardware that was strong in the past can lose reliability over time, so watch for areas where metal looks dull, stained, or rough to the touch. If fasteners are missing or prone to pulling out, further stress can cause sudden failures.
Gaps Around the House or Deck Frame
Most decks are connected to the house using a long, heavy board called a ledger. Over time, if it wasn’t properly installed or water has gotten behind it, that connection can begin to shift. When that happens, other parts of the deck frame might pull away or sag.
If you spot a gap between the house and the deck that didn’t exist before, start keeping an eye on it. Water slipping into that space can damage both your deck and your house wall or foundation. Sometimes, the whole deck may seem uneven, or the stair treads no longer sit flat against the ground.
Gaps around the ledger or at the joints can allow pests, moisture, and even mold to enter. A small shift in the frame can signal larger structural issues developing, especially if water is silently collecting between the boards and the house.
Trust Eastern Shore Porch and Patio
When you embark on your next project for your property, trust Eastern Shore Porch and Patio to help. We service Bethany Beach, Ocean City, Lewes, Salisbury, and the Delmarva area. You can request a quote today! If you have questions or concerns, call us at 302-436-9520 or send us an email at info@esvinylproducts.com. For updates and ideas, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Youtube.