There are so many ways to improve the exterior of your Portland, Oregon home to add curb appeal. Pressure washing, choosing exterior paint schemes, adding greenery, and new lighting are just a few ways to spruce up the front of your house. But when was the last time you took a close look at the back of your house? Many of us have a deck in the backyard of our homes, and it’s important to maintain it.

Sometimes painting a deck may be enough, or even just a fresh coat of exterior wood stain, but over time, your deck may need a complete overhaul.

Here are a few signs of wear and tear to your deck that Bluenote Painting wants you to be on the lookout for. If your deck is in need of these big repairs, it may be time to replace your deck.

Significant Sagging
If your deck is showing signs of significant sagging, it could be from substructure damage underneath your deck or damage to the vertical supports. You can most likely tell if this is an issue by simply taking a step back and eyeing your deck. Does it look level or does it bow significantly? If it’s warped, it’s time to call in an expert for a second opinion.

Worn out decking
Even the most weather resistant decking is going to wear down at some point. Rain, cold, snow, and heat will all damage your outdoor deck. Ways to tell if your deck is too worn out is by seeing how much of the wood is cracked, warped, or split. If even after cleaning your deck and putting on a new coat of sealant, your deck still looks worn, it may be time to replace it.

Termites
If termites have made their home in your deck, your only option is to replace it. Termites burrow into the wood and create channels, leaving it more susceptible to rot. If you’re lucky enough to catch the termites early, the area may simply be repaired. You will need to take steps to prevent termites from setting up shop in the future.

Injuries
Are people stepping on nails and injuring themselves during your outdoor parties? If you have taken a hammer to your deck but are still seeing nails and screws protruding from it, then it’s time to get it replaced. When you have hammered and hammered again but the wood is not staying put, it means there are deeper issues in the structure of your deck.

Is your deck currently showing these signs of too much wear and tear? If so, give us a call at Bluenote Painting for a free estimate for all of your house painting and deck needs in Portland, Oregon.