When your previously fabulous deck starts to look tired and won out, you should probably start thinking about refinishing it. Refinishing your deck will not only make your entire exterior beautiful but will also extend the life of the wood itself. Refinishing your deck in good time before major damage happens is much cheaper than having to replace wood in the deck.

You can instantly stop major structural damage and possible deck failure by fixing a few boards and protecting the entire deck with a new refinish job. If you’re planning to resell your home any time soon, a well maintained and refinished deck increases the overall resale value of your property.

Having said that, it’s important to know the signs that warranty minor fixes and those that call for an entire deck refinishing. So, besides your deck generally looking bad, here are specific signs it’s time to repaint it.

1. Split or Cracked Boards

Cracking or split deck boards are the early signs that a much bigger problem is on the way. This needs to be replaced before staining can be done. Check everything including the posts, railings, joists, and sills for any signs of cracking. If there’re any severely warped boards, placing a heavy weight on them could lead to complete breaking or splitting.

2. Wood Looks Dry and Old

If your wood generally looks old, dry, and faded, maybe with signs of peeling paint, deck restoration and refinishing can restore the glory and beauty of your aging deck and create an appealing relaxing environment.

3. Peeling and Flaking Paint

Paint and stain eventually deteriorate; however high-quality the paint is. Rain, frost, sleet, snow, and UV rays all contribute to gradual paint breakdown which might lead to signs like peeling and flaking paint.

Even if you have a newly re-painted deck, you can still notice signs of fading, flaking and peeling paint if the surface prep work was not well done. For instance, if the surface was not well washed, stripped and sanded where necessary, the paint will not properly stick. For the best results, you should consider stripping and properly power washing any deck that has peeling paint.

4. Mold and Mildew

Mold, mildew and other types of fungi can easily grow on your deck when the conditions are right. Most fungi thrive on damp wooden surfaces that are constantly exposed to moisture. Inspect your siding carefully and Pay special attention to where every post touches the ground.

Mold and mildew will often appear in grey, black or whitish patches
If you see extensive mold on the boards, they will need to be replaced before any staining can be done. Minor patches can, however, be scrapped off and the surface treated using a mixture of 3 parts of water and 1 part of household bleach.

5. Spongy and Soft When Walked On

When inspecting your deck, walk around it and note how the wood responds. If you feel sponginess, soft spots or bowing, there might be moisture issues underneath. In this case, the affected planks need to be replaced. Many times, in these cases, you will find rotting underneath the surface that cannot be seen by naked eyes. If the rotting is extensive, it might mean replacing the entire deck.

6. Splintering Boards

When the deck in the wood is constantly exposed to water and rain, wood fibers might be raised. Wood fibers can often remain raised and may cause splinters. If you notice splintering, it’s a warning that your boards are damaged and likely letting moisture and that will eventually cause mold growth and rotting. If this is not fixed in good time, it might cause the boards to collapse.

Bottom Line

If your deck looks dull, is fading or has mold and mildew growing on it, it’s definitely time to refinish it. The weather, traffic, and even chemicals can degrade your paint system and wood. The best way to have your deck properly inspected and refinished is by hiring a professional painting and refinishing contractor.

If you need professional help refinishing and restoring your deck in Clinton Township, Michigan, our professional and trained team at Eason Painting can help. Give us a call today and let’s give your deck a new, fresh, and long-lasting look.