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Causes of Deck Rotting

Causes of Deck Rotting

Take a look at what normally causes deck rotting.

Have you ever looked at your deck and felt like something wasn’t right with it? Maybe it isn’t the same vibrant color it normally is. Perhaps the deck boards feel softer and squishier than you are used to them being. These are common indicators of deck rotting, and it’s a serious hazard for your deck if this occurs.

The best thing you can do is prevent deck rotting from ever occurring, and that means you’ll need to know what causes rotting so that you can know what measures to take. Take a look at what normally causes deck rotting.

Water Flow

Whenever it rains outside, a lot of that rain lands on the roof. After that, though, the water might go from your roof down to your decking. This rainwater is what causes the deck rotting to occur. Rotting can accelerate if there are spots around your deck where water can pool.

If you want to keep your decking from rotting, you need high-quality gutters that shield your wooden surfaces from as much water as possible.

Narrow Gaps

How much space is between your deck boards? You don’t want your boards too tightly packed together because of debris that falls from your trees and onto your deck. This debris can become moist, and it can also find its way into the tight cracks of your decking boards. As soon as wet tree debris settles between your deck boards, you can expect rotting to follow shortly. Make sure you’re sweeping your deck regularly so that debris doesn’t have a chance to pile up too much.

Consider the Type of Wood Your Deck Has

Not all wood is the same, and depending on the type of wood used to make your deck, its resistance to rotting will vary. If you’re looking for good choices for decking materials, consider using pressure-treated wood, cedar, or redwood. These are some of the best varieties of wood to minimize the likelihood of rotting. A decking company can also provide some insight as to what types of wood you could use.

Flaking Paint

If your paint has started to flake, it means that the wood surface of your deck doesn’t have the protection it needs to keep moisture at bay anymore. Sometimes, paint will crack due to wood expanding and contracting, as well as fluctuations in temperature.

Contact Albaugh & Sons

Since 2003, Albaugh & Sons, LLC has been dedicated to meeting the fencing, decking, and home remodeling needs of homeowners throughout the greater Frederick area. All of our team members are experienced, well-trained, and committed to exceeding the expectations of every customer.

Visit our website here, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and YouTube.

This entry was posted on Friday, May 6th, 2022 at 3:25 pm. Both comments and pings are currently closed.