Rotting Timber Deck Signs & What to Do!

Rotting timber above the ground level

If you notice your decking boards are rotting, it is likely that the timber above the ground level has started to rot. The reason for this is the moisture does not escape from underneath and can then cause decay in any exposed timber. If this happens, it will be necessary to replace all of your decking boards before you can carry on with any further work on your deck.

Rotting timbers with visible mould patches

Mould growth is a sign of rot. Mould can be a health hazard, a fire hazard, and a structural hazard. If you see mould anywhere on your decking boards or timbers, then it is time to call in the experts before they become rotten.

When termites attack your home there are several steps that need to be taken in order to resolve the issue so that no further damage occurs. Rotting timbers with visible mold patches should be removed as soon as possible before they spread further inside the house or become an eyesore for visitors!

A timber deck that is rotten right to the core will splinter in your hands

If you crack open a rotten timber deck, you’ll find that it is full of holes and riddled with rot. You will also see very little in the way of solid wood remaining. Any timber that remains can be easily broken by hand (and probably should have been replaced long ago).

You can quickly determine if your deck needs attention by looking for these signs:

·         Cracks in the boards – This is especially important if they are near corners or fastening points, which could lead to cracking as well as splintering or separation from surrounding components like railings or stairs. If there are large areas where there are no cracks visible on a structure like this, then look closely at any minor cracks that develop over time—they may grow larger than expected if left untreated and cause significant damage down the road!

·         Splintering – When checking for signs of rotting timber decks, make sure to pay close attention to areas where there may be splinters present (around screws/nails/fasteners). If there’s rotting wood close enough to actually touch these things without damaging them first, then chances are good enough evidence exists elsewhere too! Additionally, look out for discoloration around old nail holes; while this isn’t necessarily indicative of how much work needs to be done, it does tell us something about what sort of materials were used: metal nails won’t rust unless exposed directly; however, plastic ones will turn black after a while due to a natural oxidation process.

Listen to your carpenter’s experience

If your carpenter has a lot of experience with decks, ask what they do to prevent rot. See if you can find out how they address the problem in different situations, such as decks with no underlayment or those that are completely covered by a roof extension.

Ask for references from other customers who have had similar issues; often, the best solution is not what you think it is—it may be cheaper or more effective than you realise!

If possible, visit their previous work sites and ask to see photos or videos of their work.

Plan to replace, repair or renovate

The first thing to consider when planning to replace, repair or renovate your rotting timber deck is the cost. The cost of replacing the deck will depend on its size and complexity. A simple square or rectangle shaped timber deck could cost around $8-$14 per square metre for materials and labour, whereas a more complex shape such as an octagon could cost closer to $40-$50 per square metre.

A second consideration is how long it will take to complete either replacement or renovation works on your existing timber decking. If you decide to replace your existing timber decking, then this should only take between three weeks and two months depending on the size and complexity of the project. Renovation works tend to take longer because they include removing old materials first, which can be a messy job, but once that’s done there shouldn’t be any further delays in getting everything back up and running again!

Safety considerations are important when considering any type of building work. It is important to make sure all workers follow relevant regulations regarding safe access equipment such as ladders or scaffolding platforms. If safety isn’t observed, accidents may happen which could lead to bigger problems later down the road (like lawsuits!). It’s also worth checking whether there are any restrictions placed upon neighbouring properties before starting work too – especially if there are children living nearby who might need warning signs put up, etc.

If you suspect that your deck may be rotting or not up-to-code, get a professional inspection and quote before you start any renovation project!

When getting an inspection and quote for your deck’s current condition, the inspector may recommend replacing the boards on the affected areas, but you can also ask if there are other ways to repair the deck. The inspector should give you an idea of how much this will cost and how long it will take to complete. In most cases, they can provide quotes from contractors they work with who specialise in decks so that they can help find someone who will do the repairs at a reasonable price and within your time frame.