December 29th, 2017

What to do When Your Deck Goes Snap, Crackle Pop

Last time on this blog we wrote about steps you should take in order to prepare your deck for winter. But what we didn’t write about are the signs that your deck may already be buckling under the stresses of the colder weather. One sign that your deck is reacting to the cold weather is noise. Often deck owners complain of hearing loud popping sounds coming from their decks during the winter. This sound can be quite unsettling and can lead homeowners to question the integrity of their deck. So what causes this popping sound that some decks make in the winter? Well, it is simple. Cold weather causes materials to shrink and when it comes to your deck some components of it may be shrinking faster than others. Eventually, this kind of stress causes loud popping sounds to occur.
This is one explanation and the simplest. Under this scenario, the panic bell should not necessarily be sounded if the noises are not excessive or if your deck seems to be in otherwise good condition. Of course, if you are in doubt as to the integrity of your deck you should arrange for our deck contractors in NJ, to inspect it. They can make an on-the-spot assessment and tell you whether repairs are required or whether your deck may be about to give out due to reasons other than the weather. You may have hardware issues in addition to this common wintertime scenario. If the sounds coming from your deck are followed by any other signs, then you may wish to consider replacing it. These signs include:
 

• Rotting lumber
• Rails that shake when you push them
• Post connections that are weak
• Deck boards that are wobbly
  Cracks in decking boards. (This is a sure sign of a structural breach.)

Of course all these problems can be rectified by our expert Colonia NJ deck builders. Our experts can also give you tips on protecting your investment and can tell you whether your concerns are justified. Our experts strive to build decks that are durable and made to your specifications. If it becomes time for your deck to be replaced and you do not know exactly what you want our site contains many fine examples of our work.