Top 5 Signs Your Deck Needs Repair (Before It Gets Dangerous)

1. Loose or Wobbly Railings
If your deck railings move when you lean on them — that’s a red flag.
Loose railings can be caused by:

• Rusted or missing screws/bolts
• Rotted wood at the connection point
• Shifting deck posts or improper installation

In Austin, where families often use decks for entertaining, this isn’t just annoying — it’s dangerous. A shaky railing could fail under pressure, especially on raised decks.
What to do: Have a contractor inspect the attachment points and replace or reinforce as needed.

2. Rotting or Cracked Deck Boards
Cracked or soft wood is more than just cosmetic. It's often the first sign of rot, especially if the cracks collect moisture.
Watch for:

• Splintered wood
• Dark, soft spots under your feet
• Boards that bounce or creak when stepped on

Central Texas humidity, plus rain and shade from trees, makes rot a common issue in local decks.
What to do: Replace individual boards or sections before it spreads. Don’t ignore even small soft spots.

3. Sagging or Uneven Boards
Does your deck feel “wavy” or sloped in places? This could mean the support framing underneath is failing.
Causes include:

• Water damage to joists or beams
• Inadequate spacing of support posts
• Insect damage (especially in older homes)

What to do: Get a structural inspection — and avoid heavy foot traffic on those areas until it's repaired.

4. Rusty or Exposed Hardware
If you’re seeing rusted nails, bolts, or screws sticking out, it means two things:

• The metal is failing
• Water has likely penetrated nearby wood

This weakens the entire deck frame and raises the risk of collapse in extreme cases — especially with older builds.
➡️ What to do: Replace rusted or missing hardware and use galvanized or coated fasteners going forward.

5. Moss, Mildew, or Persistent Moisture
A damp deck = a damaged deck.
Even composite decks can be affected by:

• Slippery green buildup
• Water pooling after rain
• Mold between boards

In Austin, shady decks near trees are especially vulnerable.
➡️ What to do: Power wash, apply a wood brightener, and reseal regularly. If the moisture has already caused rot underneath, repairs may be needed.

Why Early Repair Matters
Ignoring these signs can lead to:

• High-cost structural replacements
• Injuries from falls or collapses
• Failed home inspections when selling

Regular maintenance protects your investment — and your safety.
🛠 Need Help?

At ATX Deck & Patio, we’ve repaired decks all over Austin — from minor fixes to full rebuilds. We know the warning signs, and we know how to fix them right.
📍 Serving Austin, Cedar Park, Round Rock, Lakeway and nearby areas
✅ Free deck inspections
✅ Same-week estimates
✅ Expert restoration that lasts