Deck Repair in Calgary: Common Issues and Solutions

For every problem, there’s always a solution.

So before you get a *mini heart attack* over those issues you’ve just discovered with your deck, take a deep breath and get ready to solve them with our expert tips.

Mountain View Sundecks—a trusted provider of deck repair in Calgary—is here to guide you through it all. From board gaps to signs of rot and structural deterioration, here are the most common issues and their efficient solutions:

Table of Contents | Deck Repair in Calgary: Common Issues and Solutions 

1. Board Gaps
2. Warped Boards
3. Cracking and Splintering
4. Water Damage 
5. UV Radiation Damage 
6. Mildew and Mould Growth 
7. Stains and Discolouration
8. Signs of Rot
9. Pest Infestations
10. Popped Nails
11. Bouncy Deck Boards
12. Structural Deterioration
13. Loose Railings
14. No Deck Issues Left Unresolved with Mountain View Sun Decks  
    
    

 

Board Gaps

If your current deck materials are wood, the chances are high that you’ll notice board gaps at one point or another. This is because wood has the tendency to shrink over time as it slowly sheds material. While it’s a completely natural occurrence, it’s essential to address this immediately as it could pose several risks—from exposing the inner parts of the deck leading to more vulnerability or even causing individuals to trip. 

Our deck maintenance tips: When you call up the experts in deck repair in Calgary, they’ll likely just replace the planks that have gaps with new ones that have a suitable length and width. 

Warped Boards 

Here’s another issue that wooden deck materials are prone to: warping. Just like how skin is bound to wrinkle over time, the natural elements of wood make it susceptible to this type of damage.

Our deck maintenance tips: If the damage is just minimal, you can get away with replacing just a few boards. However, if it’s more extensively spread across the surface, then it’s time to call in deck builders in Calgary so they can carry out a full replacement. It’s likely they’ll suggest switching to materials like PVC, composite, or vinyl decking, as these types are more resistant to warping.  

Cracking and Splintering 

If you notice cracking and splintering on your wooden deck materials, then temperature fluctuations and dry conditions are typically the culprits. 

Our deck maintenance tips:

• Regularly sand and seal the deck to keep the wood smooth and protected.
• Replace damaged boards as needed.
• Consider using low-maintenance alternatives like composite decking that don’t easily splinter.

Water Damage 

Water is both a friend and a foe—and your deck materials will surely nod in agreement. Due to snow, rain, and freeze-thaw cycles, decks can suffer from moisture damage, leading to rot and decay, particularly in wood decks. Over time, you can expect water elements to eventually weaken the fibres of the wood, leading to structural problems. 

Our deck maintenance tips:

• Use moisture-resistant materials like composite, vinyl, or properly sealed wood.
• Ensure proper drainage and sealing of the deck.
• Regularly clean and maintain the deck to prevent water accumulation.
• Install a protective roof over your deck. 

UV Radiation Damage 

Now, let’s add the sun to our list of friends-slash-foes, shall we? While being able to relax and bask in the sun is one of the main reasons you probably had a deck installed in the first place, UV radiation damage sure is a major antagonist here. Intense and prolonged exposure to sunlight can fade and deteriorate decking materials, especially those without UV protection.

Our deck maintenance tips:

• Use UV-resistant finishes and sealants.
• Consider materials like composite that have built-in UV resistance.
• Install a pergola or awning to provide shade.

Mildew and Mould Growth 

Here’s another fierce enemy you might have to deal with as a deck owner: mildew and mould growth. 

You’ll easily recognize these unwelcome guests as they typically take the form of dark stains. This is a result of the tannins in the wooden deck material reacting to fungus. 

Our deck maintenance tips:

• Regular cleaning can prevent your deck from holding moisture too long—which can become a breeding ground for mildew and mould.
• Remove dark stains using oxalic acid.
• Opt for sealants and anti-microbial coatings that inhibit the growth of these organisms. 
• Improve airflow and sunlight exposure to the deck.
• Choose mould-resistant deck materials, like PVC. 

Stains and Discolouration 

Apart from the dark stains caused by mould, deck owners might notice milder stains and discolouration, which naturally happens to wooden deck materials over time—no matter how they’re manufactured. 

Our deck maintenance tips:

• Use sealants with UV protectors to slow down the discolouration process and increase their life span. 
• Use wood brighteners and cleaners that help restore its original colour. 

Signs of Rot 

It’s not difficult to spot the signs of rot on your deck. Basically, it’ll look…well, rotten. 

From mould to water-induced damage, these elements can eventually cause extensive damage and leave your deck looking weak & unsightly. But how do you know if your deck has truly been taken down by the wrath of rot? 

Our deck maintenance tips:

• Use the tip of a screwdriver and press down on the boards that seem to have signs of rot. If the spots are spongy or soft, that means you’ll have to seek deck repair in Calgary to have the boards replaced. Be sure to act quickly, before it becomes a widespread issue on your entire deck. 

Pest Infestations 

Just when you thought mould and mildew were the toughest enemies to beat, that’s when pests crawl in to prove otherwise. Certain insects, such as termites or carpenter ants, are known to infest and damage wooden decks.

Infestation Sign	Carpenter Ants	Termites
Visible Insects	Large, black ants often seen on the deck.	White, winged insects or mud-like tubes along deck structures.
Frass (Insect Waste)	Piles of sawdust-like material beneath entry holes.	Termites do not leave behind sawdust; instead, they create mud tubes.
Wood Damage	Tunnels in wood that are clean and smooth with a sandpaper-like texture.	Maze-like tunnels within the wood that appear more rugged and contain soil/mud.
Noise	Faint rustling or crunching sounds within the wood.	Quiet clicking sounds as termites chew through wood.
Entry Holes	Small, round holes about 1/8-inch diameter on the surface of the wood.	Termites often enter from the ground and may not leave visible entry holes.
Swarms	Flying ants emerging from the deck, particularly in spring.	Swarms of winged termites, often in the spring, shed wings found near the deck.
Wood Condition	Wood remains mostly intact as ants do not consume it, just hollow it out.	Wood is hollowed and significantly damaged since termites eat the wood fibre.

Other Pests That Can Damage Your Wooden Deck
Pest Type	Signs of Infestation	Potential Damage to Deck
Powderpost Beetles	Fine, powdery sawdust around tiny holes in wood; may also see the beetles.	Create small tunnels inside wood; can weaken the deck structure over time.
Carpenter Bees	Round, half-inch diameter holes; sawdust beneath holes; bees hovering near deck.	Large galleries that weaken wood; cosmetic damage to deck surfaces.
Wood Wasps/Horntails	Pencil-sized holes in wood; presence of large wasps with long “tails.”	Tunnels inside wood; mainly affect trees but can be found in untreated lumber.
Rodents (Rats/Mice)	Droppings, gnaw marks, nesting material; greasy rub marks along deck edges.	Chew through materials; can damage wiring and insulation if the deck is adjacent to the house.

Our deck maintenance tips:

• Use pressure-treated wood or naturally insect-resistant wood like cedar.
• Consider non-wood decking materials like composite or PVC
• Ensure the foundation of your deck isn’t directly touching the soil beneath it to prevent pests from tunnelling through. 
• Regularly inspect the deck for signs of infestation and treat with the appropriate insecticides or borate-based treatments to the affected areas. 
• Replace any heavily damaged boards to prevent further structural compromise.

Popped Nails 

Deck materials aren’t entirely immune to popping nails over time. Once you see one, be sure to address it right away. From stepping on a protruding nail with bare feet to accidentally tripping over one, it can be extremely dangerous in many ways.  

Our deck maintenance tips:

• Drive the popped nail back into the board using a hammer and nail set (Take note that this solution is likely only to last temporarily.) 
• If it still pops out, it’s best to remove the nail with a hammer, pliers, or cat’s paw tool and replace it with a new one.

Bouncy Deck Boards 

If your deck is starting to feel like a bounce house when you walk on it, that isn’t exactly good news. This is typically caused by long spans between the joists. 

Our deck maintenance tips:

• Ask your trusted deck builders in Calgary to add extra beams or posts for support.
• Alternatively, you can request that they add a row of blocking between joists to support the deck boards above. 

Structural Deterioration 

Over time, the weight of snow, ice, or standing water can lead to structural weakening of your deck materials. 

Our deck maintenance tips:

• Ensure that the deck is designed and built with proper structural support for the region’s snow loads.
• Inspect the deck’s structural elements each year and make repairs as needed.
• Remove snow and standing water promptly to minimize load stress.

Loose Railings 

The railings of your deck are more than just an aesthetic element—they’re critical to the overall safety of the structure. So if you notice that they’re starting to loosen up, be sure to act quickly. 

Our deck maintenance tips:

• Use a screwdriver to tighten any loose screws or bolts on the railings. 
• If they still remain wobbly or are severely damaged, ask a reliable Calgary deck builder to reinforce the posts and secure them. 
  
  

No Deck Issues Left Unresolved with Mountain View Sun Decks 

No matter what deck issues you’re faced with, Mountain View Sun Decks is here to solve it for you. 

When it comes to deck repair in Calgary, we’ve been setting the bar high through top-tier products and unparalleled customer service —and it’s been like that for the past 20+ years. 

Talk to the leading deck company in Calgary today to get started. 

View our services:

• Vinyl decking in Calgary
• Composite decking in Calgary
• PVC decks 
• Pressure Treated Decks
• Cedar Decks
• Deck Repair
• Deck Design

Explore our other blogs for more helpful tips:

• How Do Different Deck Materials Perform in Calgary’s Weather? 
• Deck Trends in Calgary: Decks with Glass Panels
• The Ultimate Deck Safety Checklist for Pets and Children
• Selecting The Right Deck Builders And Materials In Calgary
• Decks and Railings: Create a Perfect Outdoor Area in Calgary