Washington
Washington's villages and newer estates are full of family decks, many built on heavy clay. When posts settle, the whole deck tells you about it.
Local notes
Clay swells when wet and shrinks when dry. Posts that weren't set deep enough or on proper footings can move, which is a common reason for decks that bounce or tilt.
What we see
What you see
A dip in one area, or a deck that flexes as you walk.
Why it happens
Posts on shallow footings moving in clay, or joists too small for the span.
How we fix it
Add posts on proper footings, sister undersized joists and re-level the frame.
What you see
Gaps that are wide in winter and closed in summer.
Why it happens
Boards fixed without the maker's spacing or end gaps.
How we fix it
Re-space with the correct clips and set the end gaps.
Checklist
| Item | What we're looking for |
|---|---|
| Footings | Deep enough for clay |
| Joists | Sized for their span |
| Level | Frame re-levelled after any settlement |
Q&A
On clay, it's usually a post that has moved. We'll confirm from photos and quote to re-support the frame.
Yes, including Sunderland and Houghton-le-Spring.
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