What goes wrong with decks if you wait
Rot spreading from boards to joists
Rot starts in deck boards and spreads into the joists, ledger and beams. What begins as a board swap can become a structural repair.
Ledger board failure
The ledger attaches the deck to the house. If water gets behind it, it can rot both the deck connection and the rim joist of the house. Ledger failure is one of the leading causes of deck collapses.
Slippery, mossy surfaces
Algae and moss make deck boards dangerously slick in the wet season.
Loose railings and popped fasteners
Fasteners rust and work loose, boards cup and railings start to wobble.
Common jobs we take on
- Rotten deck board replacement
- Loose deck railing repair
- Deck stair repair
- Deck washing and staining
- Small new decks and landings
How Lower Mainland weather affects decks
From October to April, decks in the Tri-Cities and across the Lower Mainland are wet more often than they are dry. Rain, shade from tall trees and fallen needles hold moisture on the surface and between boards, which is exactly what rot and moss need.
Summer heat waves then dry and crack the wood. That cycle breaks down stain and sealer faster than in drier climates, which is why decks here need cleaning and re-sealing every two to three years.
Warning signs to watch for
- Soft, spongy or cracked deck boards
- Green or black slippery surfaces
- Boards that are cupping, splitting or popping nails
- Railings that move when you push on them
- Rust stains or gaps where the deck meets the house
Maintenance tips
- Sweep off leaves and needles regularly so water can drain
- Clean and re-stain or seal every 2 to 3 years
- Replace soft boards as soon as you find them
- Check the ledger and flashing where the deck meets the house
- Keep planters raised so water does not pool underneath
How G2 Home Services handles decks
We inspect the boards, joists, ledger and posts, replace rotten deck boards and framing, re-secure or replace railings and add proper flashing at the house. Then we clean the deck and apply a quality stain or sealer. We also build new decks, and handle permits where your municipality requires them.
Every job is backed by our written promise: a locked-in price before we start, we redo anything you are not happy with, and a one-year workmanship guarantee.
Deck Repair & Restoration near you
We are based in Coquitlam and take on these jobs across the Tri-Cities, Burnaby, New Westminster, Vancouver, Richmond and the North Shore. Got other small jobs too? Add them to the list and we will do them in the same visit. See small jobs & odd jobs.
Deck Repair & Restoration: frequently asked questions
Should I repair or replace my deck?
If the framing is sound, replacing boards and railings is usually enough. If the joists, beams or ledger are rotten, a rebuild may be the safer choice. We tell you honestly after an inspection.
Do I need a permit for a deck in Coquitlam?
Many Lower Mainland municipalities require a permit for decks above a certain height or attached to the house. We check the rules for your city.
How often should a deck be stained in the Lower Mainland?
Every 2 to 3 years for most decks. South facing decks and decks under trees may need it more often.
