First of all, it is also important to keep up-to-date with outdoor maintenance around your home and your deck should also be a part of this routine. Not only is this an investment in your home, it is also a situation, if not maintained can lead to you becoming liable. in the event someone is injured while spending time on your deck. A slip or fall incident and yes, even a deck collapse could lead to an unwanted accident and legal issue.

To avoid this, you can start by examining your deck for any evidence that might point to deck rot. With this, you should be on the look out for signs of damaged or rotted wood. These can include such any change in its appearance, such as discolourations to the wood, for example any darker or lighter patches.

With a watchful eye, you can also scan for gaps in the deck, where the wood will have likely shrunken. These signs can appear for reasons that include the wood becoming softer, spongier to the touch, as well as where it might also be crumbling or cracking. The paint may also display signs of wear and tear that can signify deck rot, and can present as bubbled or flakey surfaces.

One other way to identify whether you are dealing with deck rot is to use another one of your senses – that being smell. If deck rot is occurring, it is also highly likely that it will give off a musty smell, as the wood will have become damp due to excess moisture.

At this stage of the process, hopefully you have identified the problem earlier enough so that the deck rot can be treated. However, making sure your deck is a safe space for yourself and visitors should be a top priority.

Another method of ensuring your deck is well-maintained is to have it inspected by a professional. Not only can they let you know if it’s in solid condition, they can also help to point out if it is not and where repairs – or even replacement might be necessary.

A large part of this process also includes the inspection of the quality of the construction and the materials. This can particularly include an examination of the type of lumber that was used to build the deck, as these aspects should all be up to code.

If deemed that the proper materials and construction process was satisfactory, it is likely that a total reconstruction of the deck will not be necessary, however some prepares may be needed.

If deck rot is the cause of the damage, before the wood becomes too far gone, there are some steps to take to improve its condition. A part of this process will include, drying the deck and/or removing the source of the moisture. After this step, the wood can be re-treated with the proper products that will help to preserve the condition of the wood over time.

Ultimately, it is highly recommended that you also seek out more information from experts in this field to ensure you are taking the best steps to protect your deck.

Not only do you want to protect the deck and outer perimeter of your home for a variety of important reasons, it is worth mentioning here as well that this moisture can also seep into the inside of your home.

For added protection of your home – inside and out – having home insurance to cover these types of damages as well as protect you from the possibility of being involved in an injury liability case, should warrant additional consideration for this type of home improvement investment.

At Leaders Insurance, we are here to help you protect all aspects of your home. Contact us to learn more about how home insurance policies can ensure you can make the most of your time as you look to spend more carefree time outside enjoying your home.