Soft, discolored or crumbling deck boards, particularly near fasteners, at board ends and in areas that stay damp.
Moisture trapped against the board surface, poor drainage, leaves and debris accumulation, lack of sealing, ground-contact splash-back and fastener penetrations that allow water into the wood fiber.
Soft or rotted boards can fail underfoot without warning. Areas near stairs, railings and high-traffic paths present the greatest risk. Do not assume the framing beneath a rotted board is sound — water that rots the surface board often affects the joist below.
We probe each board for soft spots, check fastener tightness, examine board ends and cut edges, look for cupping and splitting patterns, and remove a sample board where necessary to evaluate the joist beneath.
Individual board replacement with matching or compatible material, joist-end repair where hidden rot is found, improved drainage and flashing details to prevent recurrence, and fastener upgrades where corrosion is present.
When more than 25–30% of boards show significant deterioration, when joist-end rot is widespread beneath multiple boards, or when the rot pattern suggests systemic moisture problems throughout the deck.
Yes, in most Connecticut towns, any deck that attached to the house or is over 30 inches off the ground requires a building permit. Don't worry, we handle all the permit paperwork and inspections for you.
Composite decking (like Trex or TimberTech) is highly recommended for Connecticut weather because it resists moisture, mold, and doesn't splinter. However, pressure-treated wood or cedar are excellent, cost-effective options if you are willing to keep up with bi-annual staining.
Yes! If your deck's underlying structure (joists, beams, and ledger board) is sound and properly flashed, we can perform a 'deck resurfacing.' This saves you thousands of dollars while giving you a brand-new looking deck surface and railings.
Small repairs can often be done in 1-2 days. A surface replacement might take 3-5 days. A complete custom build can take 1-3 weeks once permits are approved and materials are delivered.
Look for signs like spongy boards, wobbly railings, stairs that flex when you step on them, or gaps between the deck and your house (the ledger board). If you're unsure, we offer a comprehensive Deck Safety Check.