As a homeowner, you understand the importance of basic home maintenance.
After all, ignoring small problems now can lead to bigger and more expensive down the road. This includes taking care of your deck. Many people make the mistake of overlooking proper deck care, which often results in the need for deck replacement.kono
Fortunately, you’ve come to the right place if you need help identifying a rotting deck.
Keep reading to get the inside scoop.
1. Visible Damage to the Wood
One of the most obvious signs that your deck is beginning to rot is the visible damage to the wood. In fact, dry rot is extremely common for the wood on decks to become brittle when not properly treated every year, especially in climates that receive large amounts of rain and snow.
You can also identify damage to your deck by small cracks that appear in the wood or paint.
2. You’ll Notice a Musty Smell
Here is another extremely common sign that your deck has problems. Dry rot often causes a damp, musty odor, much like the smell of mushrooms that becomes more increasingly apparent over time.
In fact, you might smell the musty odor long before you notice any visible signs of damage to your wood. This smell is caused by dampness that seeps into the wood of your decks and stays there, slowly causing a rot.
You can prevent this by weatherproofing your deck. It’s also important to know how to weatherproof a custom deck.
3. You’ll Notice Spores
The development of spores is another huge issue that can become a major headache. These spores have the appearance of red dust that will be spread along the surface of the wood. Not only do spores induct dry rot in your wood, but they can also be extremely hazardous to your health.
4. You’ll Notice Evidence of Sporophore
Look closely at the wood on your deck. Do you see rust-colored spots with a white outer ring beginning to form?
If so, this is evidence of sporophore or the fruiting body. These formations can vary in shape and size and are clear evidence that your deck requires serious attention.
5. You’ll Notice Evidence of Mycelium Growth
You’ve probably seen mycelium before and simply didn’t know what you were looking at. This is a white or grayish wooly substance that spreads across wood and other types of building materials, especially wood that is extremely porous.
When mycelium appears on your deck, you’d be wise to contact a building professional to get their opinion on how to proceed.
Know How to Identify a Rotting Deck
Keeping your home looking great throughout the year requires dedication and a lot of hard work. Fortunately, these tips for identifying a rotting deck will help you understand when it’s time for emergency deck maintenance or deck replacement.
Keep exploring the articles on this blog to discover more great home improvement tips and advice.
Leave a Reply