Hey there! I’m Aaron Baugh, the owner here at ABC Decking. With over 35 years of experience in the industry, I’ve seen just about everything that can happen to a deck. From the scorching Texas sun to the unexpected ice storms, our outdoor spaces take a beating.
As we head into fall and the East Texas wet season, now is the time to make sure your deck can handle the cold snaps, rain, and moisture that winter brings. Small problems that are easy to fix today can get much worse once freeze-and-thaw cycles and steady rain set in. Aaron Baugh personally designs every project and stays closely connected to each job by reviewing daily photo updates from the crew and checking in with the crew every day.
If you’re wondering whether your deck is ready for the colder months ahead, here are the seven biggest signs that you need professional deck repair services before winter arrives.
1. The "Trampoline" Effect (Structural Sagging)
If you walk across your deck and it feels more like a trampoline than a solid floor, you’ve got a problem. This "bounce" or sagging is usually a sign that the structural integrity of the deck is compromised.
In many cases, this happens because the joists or support beams underneath have started to weaken or were spaced too far apart during the original build. As a custom deck builder, I often see older decks where the wood has simply reached the end of its lifespan. Structural sagging isn't just an eyesore; it’s a major safety hazard. If the beams can’t support the weight of your family and furniture, they definitely won’t handle the added load of winter rain and ice.
2. The Screwdriver Test: Widespread Wood Rot
Wood rot is the silent killer of decks. It often starts in the dark, damp areas under the boards or where the deck meets the house (the ledger board). If you see wood that looks dark, spongy, or is starting to flake away, it’s time to call in the pros.
A quick DIY trick I tell my clients is the "Screwdriver Test." Take a flathead screwdriver and gently press it into a suspicious-looking spot. If the wood is soft and the screwdriver sinks in easily, that’s rot. Once rot starts, it spreads like a cold in a kindergarten class. If it’s caught early, we can often perform targeted deck maintenance and repair to save the structure. If it’s left too long, you might be looking at a full replacement.
3. Rusted Fasteners and Popped Nails
Take a look at the hardware holding your deck together. Are the screws rusted? Are there nails popping up out of the boards? While a popped nail might seem like a minor trip hazard, it’s often a sign that the wood is warping or the fasteners are failing.
Older decks were often built with nails that aren't galvanized, meaning they rust over time. Rust eats away at the metal, making the fastener smaller and weaker until it can no longer hold the weight. At ABC Decking, we use high-quality, weather-resistant fasteners in all our deck construction projects to ensure this doesn't happen. If your deck looks like it’s "shedding" its hardware, it’s a clear sign you need a professional to secure things back down.
4. Severe Splintering and Surface Wear
A splinter is painful any time of year, and winter moisture only makes exposed wood fibers worse. If your deck boards are starting to "hair up" with tiny wood fibers or if large splinters are breaking off, the wood’s protective seal has failed.
When the sun beats down on unprotected wood, it dries out the natural oils, causing the fibers to separate. Not only does this look bad, but it also makes the wood more porous, leading to further rot and decay. While some homeowners try to sand this down themselves, severe splintering often requires a professional touch to determine if the boards are still structurally sound or if they need to be replaced. Check out our gallery to see how we’ve revived tired-looking decks with fresh materials.
5. Significant Warping or Cupping
Have you noticed your deck boards starting to curl up at the edges like a dried-out leaf? That’s called cupping. Or maybe the long boards are starting to twist and pull away from the joists.
Warping happens when wood absorbs moisture unevenly. In the Texas heat, the top of the board dries out much faster than the bottom, causing it to bend. Aside from being a major trip hazard, warped boards can pull fasteners right out of the support beams, weakening the whole structure. As a seasoned custom deck builder, I can tell you that once a board has warped significantly, it usually can’t be "bent back." It’s best to replace those specific sections before they cause more damage to the framing.
6. Persistent Mold, Mildew, or Fungus
If your deck has green or black stains that won't go away: even after a good scrub: you’re dealing with mold or mildew. This is especially common on decks that are heavily shaded or near water, like above-ground pool decks.
Mold isn’t just a cosmetic issue. It makes the surface incredibly slippery when wet, which is a huge risk for kids running around. Furthermore, fungus feeds on the organic matter in the wood, literally eating your deck from the inside out. If you’ve got "mushrooms" growing out of your deck boards, that is a red-alert emergency for your outdoor space. Professional deck repair services can help treat the wood and apply the right sealants to keep the moisture out for good. Plan any sealing work for a suitable weather window: roughly 50-90°F, with dry wood and a dry stretch of about 24-48 hours afterward, so never assume sealing is safe in freezing weather.
7. The Wobbly Railing
This is probably the most dangerous sign on the list. If you lean on your railing and it moves even a fraction of an inch, you have a serious problem. Railings are there for safety, especially on second-story decks or screened-in porches.
Wobbly railings usually happen for two reasons: the fasteners connecting the railing to the deck have rusted/loosened, or the wood where the railing is attached has rotted. Neither is a DIY fix you want to gamble with. Because Aaron reviews daily photo updates from the crew and checks in with the crew every day, he makes sure every railing we install is rock solid and meets all local safety codes. Don't wait for someone to take a fall: get that railing fixed now.
Why Professional Repair Matters
You might be tempted to head to the big-box store, grab some boards, and try a weekend DIY project. While I love the "can-do" spirit, decks are complex structures. One wrong cut or a missed rot spot in the ledger board can lead to a collapse.
When you work with ABC Decking, you’re getting more than just a contractor; you’re getting a partner with 35+ years of experience. I handle the deck design personally to ensure that the repairs don't just patch a hole, but actually strengthen your home's value and safety.
We specialize in everything from simple board replacements to full-scale deck demolition and removal if the old structure is too far gone. Our goal is to give you a space where you can relax, not a project you have to worry about.
Ready for a Safe Winter?
The colder months are for relaxing by the fire indoors, not worrying about what winter weather is doing to your deck. If you’ve noticed any of these signs: the bounce, the rot, or the wobbles: it’s time to act.
I’d love to come out, take a look at your space, and give you my professional opinion. Whether you need a few boards replaced or you're looking to upgrade to a brand-new custom deck, we’ve got you covered.
Give us a call today or contact ABC Decking to schedule your inspection. Let’s get your deck ready to weather the winter and bounce back beautiful in spring.