Jarrow and Hebburn
Terraces with concrete yards and newer estates by the river. A lot of decks here were laid straight over hard ground, which is where the trouble often starts.
Local notes
A composite deck over a concrete yard can work very well, but only if the frame lets water drain and air move. Where it doesn't, boards stain and the frame stays wet.
What we see
What you see
A damp smell, soft joists, or boards dipping near the house.
Why it happens
Bearers laid flat on concrete with no gap and no fall.
How we fix it
Rebuild the frame on packers or pedestals with a fall and drainage gaps, reusing sound boards.
What you see
Board ends pushing up against each other in summer.
Why it happens
No end gaps left for expansion.
How we fix it
Re-cut the ends to the maker's gaps for the board length and refix.
Checklist
| Item | What we're looking for |
|---|---|
| Base | Frame lifted off the concrete |
| Fall | Rain runs away from the house |
| End gaps | Room for boards to expand |
Q&A
Not directly. It needs a frame or pedestals that keep it off the concrete with room for water and air underneath.
Often, if they're undamaged. We'll tell you from the photos.
See also
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