When some colleagues on a restoration job discovered a deck in need of repair, they called the professionals at Cornerstone Decks and Additions for help: they needed to determine the cause and answer the one question on everyone’s mind …
Can This Deck Be Saved?
The CDA crew was on the case! We arrived at the scene and found the situation was much worse than expected. The evidence suggested the deck was the victim of WOOD ROT, but we weren’t sure who or what was the culprit. While “HOT ON THE TRAIL OF THE DECK-WRECKER,” a crew member discovered that someone had painted over rotted decking boards with Latex Filler Paint – and this had happened more than once. Although their intentions were to extend the deck’s life, it appeared they might have sealed its fate instead!
The Road To Rot Is Paved With Good Intentions!
We were lucky to have a retired colleague with life-long carpentry experience join our team to lend his expertise for this job. He reached the site ahead of us to assess the damage. When the rest of the crew arrived, he took us on a WALK-THRU, pointing out the areas most affected by what he believed were the chief causes of the deck’s advanced stage of deterioration: Rotten Decking Boards, Multiple Paint-overs, and a Rotted 4×4 Deck Support Column. We already knew the situation was hazardous, but the severely compromised support column was an unexpected complication. Then, just as we began discussing our plans and solutions … IT HAPPENED!
He Suddenly Disappeared!
One minute he was right beside us; the next, he vanished from view!
It was such a shock that it took us a minute to realize the unthinkable had happened: the boards had given way underneath him, and he had fallen straight through! We thought his leg was going to be shredded! When we pulled him up and out of the newly-created gaping hole in the deck, we found out that his leg was seriously injured, but so was his shoulder! It was excruciating for him, and we lost him off the job for three weeks while he recovered.
So, Don’T Let This Happen To You!
IF THIS CAN HAPPEN TO AN EXPERIENCED CARPENTER, IT CAN HAPPEN TO ANYONE!
We were so fortunate that our friend recovered, and we immediately turned our attention to making the deck safe for the homeowners and everyone!
Our Solution:
- The rotten Decking Boards and Deck Support Columns were removed.
- Healthy Decking Boards and a new 4×4 Support Column were installed correctly.
- A High-grade Quality Protective Stain was applied.
- The Customers loved their restored deck – now safe and beautiful as new!
While “all’s well that ends well,” it’s important to remember that this accident could have been far worse and was entirely preventable. Your deck carries precious cargo: you, your family, and your friends. Here are some steps you can take to protect your people, prolong the life of your deck, and have a beautiful outdoor space to enjoy for years to come.
Nothing Beats An Eyewitness
- Make sure you look at your deck to spot signs of damage several times a year.
- Notice if long strands and pieces are coming up from the decking boards
- Check the ends of the boards to see if they are starting to break down,
- Look to see if the wood is “Checking” – Splits and cracks, known as “wood checks,” occur when wood shrinks as it dries. This happens because wood shrinks almost twice as much along the growth rings as it does across the rings, and when the process is uneven, it can cause the boards to move.
Sound It Out
- All wood board creak to some extent, but boards that are starting to compromise “sound different.” If you notice your decking boards are creaking, take a closer look to see if any other signs of wood rot are present.
Restain Your Deck Every One To Two Years
- Most manufacturers only warranty their products for two years, so let that be your benchmark.
Get Your Deck Evaluated For Safety Every Year
Regarding safety, a professional opinion is always a good idea, and the pros at Cornerstone Decks and Additions have been building premium Decks and Screened Additions for over 35 years. Better still, We do safety evaluations FREE OF CHARGE in the Raleigh/Durham Area. We’d love it if you’d call us, but please call somebody!
Summertime is Deck Time in the Carolinas. Is Your Deck Ready?
Sign Your Deck Up For A Check-Up!