Your Deck Is Your Outdoor Safe Haven…Until It’s Not

Homeowners love the serenity that comes from spending an evening outside on their deck. Sitting down after a long day with a cold beverage and the symphony of the sounds of nature is pure Heaven for many. These outdoor havens are also the gathering place for family and friends to partake of food and fun. With so many opportunities for relaxing and strengthening relationships, it is easy to forget that decks wear down, and without proper care, may fail, injuring those you love.

Ensure that your loved ones are well cared for when you have your deck correctly installed and maintained. Schafer Construction, Inc. is Montclair’s preferred deck builder. We understand the investment in your home and how it adds enjoyment to your outdoor area. Whether you are looking for a brand new build, repair work, or annual inspections, our team meets your needs quickly with their expertise.

4 Signs Your Deck Needs to be Repaired or Replaced

Enjoying the day-to-day use of your outdoor oasis keeps your stress levels low, but it can also mean you fail to see the wear and tear that is breaking down the wood. The constant bombardment of the California sun decreases the lifespan you can expect unless you can keep on top of things. Here are areas you need to keep in mind:

1. Rusting Metal Fasteners: Inspect the nails, bolts, and hangers that hold things together, for any signs of rust. If you find that you only have nails but no screws or connectors holding material together, call in a professional for a thorough inspection. Your deck may be unsafe.
2. Loose Fasteners and Boards: The materials of your backyard haven are under constant attack from the weather. Things will loosen over time. Loose connectors, boards, stairs, and railings require quick attention.
3. Cracked or Rotted Wood: If you have a wood deck, be on the lookout for cracks, rot, and decay. It is natural for wood to split under regular wear, but if you notice some cracks growing more prominent, especially around fasteners, that is a sign of weakness. Additionally, spots of rot and decay require fixing as soon as possible to avoid accidents.
4. Mold and Mildew: Seeing a little bit of a green tinge is not as worrisome as fuzzy mold. The green can be washed off using a bleach and water mixture, whereas the fuzzy growths may indicate a bigger problem.

Breathe Easier with a Deck Built by Schafer Construction

Enjoy your deck for many years to come when you keep an eye out for changes in its look and feel. Don’t hesitate to call in for reinforcements if you have any concerns about the integrity of the structure. The experts at Schafer Construction know what to look for and offer deck inspections to give you peace of mind. If your old outdoor oasis is more than twenty years old or needs a complete overhaul, we’re Montclair’s choice in deck builders. Since 1988, we have built bridge driveways, elevated decks, along with other areas of construction. Depend on us to help keep your deck in tip-top shape.

Call us today at 510-339-9100 or contact us online to see why homeowners across Montclair and the San Francisco Bay Area rely on Schafer Construction for their deck building and repair needs.