Connecticut’s Harsh Winters Can Wreak Havoc on Your Deck – Here’s How to Assess the Damage This Spring

As Connecticut homeowners emerge from another brutal winter, it’s time to turn attention to one of the most vulnerable parts of your property: your outdoor deck. Winter can be hard on decks, with snow adding extra weight while melt provides ample opportunity for water to find nooks and crannies, while rain and wind create their own issues. This combination can add up to wear and tear that might go unnoticed until a major issue occurs.

Why Connecticut Decks Face Unique Winter Challenges

The freezing temperatures, snow, and ice can all take a toll on your outdoor space if it isn’t properly maintained. Connecticut’s climate presents particular challenges for deck maintenance, with freeze-thaw cycles occurring when temperatures fluctuate above and below freezing, causing building materials to expand and contract. The biggest impact on your deck is the process of freezing and thawing that will happen throughout the winter, and this freeze-thaw cycle can even happen daily, depending on the fluctuation of temperatures.

Although wood is naturally porous, an overabundance of moisture coupled with freezing temperatures may cause early decay or soft spots on your deck. Even though it may be currently covered in frost, beneath those layers your wood is undergoing some intense fluctuations that often lead to decay.

Essential Spring Deck Inspection Checklist

Spring has arrived – time for deck maintenance, starting with inspecting how hard winter was on your deck. Before you can enjoy your outdoor space again, conducting a thorough assessment is crucial for safety and preventing costly repairs down the road.

Start with a Visual Overview

Before inspecting your deck, you first need to clear and clean. By completing spring maintenance first, you’ll be able to see any issues clearly should they be present. Begin by removing all debris, furniture, and accumulated winter materials from your deck surface.

Critical Areas to Inspect

Structural Components: Check support joists and posts, and examine where the deck attaches to the ledger board (and then to the house) – this is a common area of deck failure. Ledger boards connecting a deck to a house’s foundation are especially important for the health and safety of your deck. If you spot debris buildup or gaps between the ledger and your house, remove any debris and tighten the lag screws to secure the board.

Deck Boards and Surface: Check deck boards for hardiness. You can use an ice pick or screwdriver to probe wood areas that appear compromised (soft or pocked-looking) – if you can penetrate the wood easily it may indicate decay that should be corrected immediately.

Railings and Safety Features: If your railing is loose, fix it immediately. The risk for injury is simply too great. Check the stability of stairs – there shouldn’t be any softness or springiness.

Water Management Systems: Check flashing where the deck and the house meet and along the deck perimeter to ensure it is still securely in place without any damage or deterioration. Check deck slope by letting water run onto the deck (from a hose or a large bucketful). Water should flow away from the structure towards the edge of the deck.

Fasteners and Hardware: Check for loosened nails and other fasteners, and reinstall or replace them with galvanized or stainless steel deck screws that are made to withstand the elements.

Signs of Winter Damage to Watch For

Look for any signs of damage such as loose boards, rusted nails, or cracks in the wood. Repairing these issues before the cold weather sets in will help prevent further damage during the winter months. Additional warning signs include:

• Gaps, rotting, or evidence of water damage
• Excessive moisture that can lead to rot and mold issues, including green or fuzzy black mold and mildew spots
• Loose or cracked trim, signs of decay or insect damage
• Green tint from mildew, with steps being the most susceptible to mildew growth, which can make them slippery and unsafe

When to Call Professionals

If you find any sign of decay, dampness, mold, rot, or loose fastenings, you may need to hire the services of a professional. They can advise on the extent of the damage and the recommended next steps. If you’ve recently built your deck or have had it for several years, it’s a good idea to schedule a professional inspection. Experienced contractors better understand the engineering of your deck and local building codes, so they can guarantee your deck is safe and identify any necessary repairs.

For Connecticut homeowners seeking reliable deck repair near me, Sullivan Contracting offers comprehensive deck services throughout New London County. Sullivan Contracting means partnering with a contractor that values integrity, quality, and customer satisfaction, standing out due to their commitment to using only high-quality materials, ensuring longevity and performance.

The Cost of Delayed Repairs

Leaving small problems now can soon lead to bigger issues down the road. The last thing you want is to have a structural failure, or have water damage affect your home when it could easily be remedied in the early stages. The single most influential factor in reducing high maintenance costs is to be sure the waterproofing is intact and the building envelope is still protected to avoid unexpected water infiltration and resulting damage. Whether you have a small balcony or expansive roof deck, significant and costly repairs due to leaks and water intrusion can often be avoided with simple annual maintenance and inspections.

Moving Forward with Confidence

An annual deck inspection ensures your deck is safe and sturdy. Inspect your deck in the spring so you can have a leisurely, worry-free summer. With Sullivan Contracting’s local expertise in New London County guaranteeing personalized solutions catering to your needs, they’re not just contractors; they’re your neighbors committed to building a stronger community, one project at a time.

Don’t let winter damage compromise your family’s safety or your property’s value. By conducting a thorough spring inspection and addressing issues promptly, you’ll ensure your deck remains a safe, beautiful space for outdoor enjoyment throughout the coming seasons.