Notes on decks in a wet climate
Plain advice for Everett homeowners on rot, sealing, railings and when a deck needs a closer look.
Can a handyman repair a deck?
Yes, a handyman can handle surface repairs like loose boards and worn stair treads, but structural problems with the ledger, joists, beams or posts need someone who repairs deck framing as their main work.
Read the answerWill homeowners insurance cover deck repair?
Sometimes: most policies pay for deck damage from a sudden covered event like a falling tree or a fire, but not for rot, wear or slow water damage, which is how most decks in Everett actually fail.
Read the answerMy deck is sinking. How can I fix it?
Find out what has moved underneath, usually a settled footing, a rotted post or a loose ledger board, then support the deck and repair that part instead of shimming the low spot.
Read the answerHow do I know if my deck is unsafe?
A deck is unsafe if the framing is soft or rotted, the ledger board is pulling away from the house, the posts or footings have shifted, the railing moves when you push on it, or the metal connectors are rusted through.
Read the answerCan you replace deck boards without replacing the frame?
Yes, in many cases you can lay new deck boards over the existing frame, as long as the joists, beams, posts and ledger are still solid and correctly spaced for the new boards.
Read the answerHow often should a deck be sealed in Western Washington?
Most wood decks in Western Washington need a fresh coat every one to three years, and the water drop test tells you when yours is due.
Read the answerWhat causes deck rot and how do you stop it?
Deck rot is fungus breaking down wood that stays wet, and you stop it by removing the soft wood and changing whatever keeps the replacement from drying out.
Read the answerDo I need a permit for deck repair in Everett?
Small repairs that replace like with like usually don't need a permit, but structural work on the framing, posts, footings or ledger often does.
Read the answerWood or composite: which is better in the Pacific Northwest?
For most decks around Everett, composite is the better choice for the walking surface because it does not rot in our long wet season, but wood still makes sense if you want a lower upfront cost or a natural look and are willing to stain and seal it regularly.
Read the answerHow do you fix a wobbly deck railing?
You fix a wobbly deck railing by making the posts rigid again, usually with through-bolts and added blocking, and you replace any post or framing that has gone soft.
Read the answer
Get Started
Tell us what your deck is doing
Call (425) 010-0006 or send a note through the form. Tell us about the deck and what you have noticed, and we will set up a time to look at it.