Board ends curling up at joints, or boards arching between joists.
Why it happens
Most often the joists are further apart than the board maker allows, or the boards were butted tight with no end gap, so there's nowhere to go when they warm up and expand.
How we fix it
We lift the affected run, add joists or noggins to bring the spacing in line with the maker's figure, re-cut the ends with the correct gaps and refix. Bowed boards that won't settle are replaced.
2
Bouncy or sagging deck
What you see
The deck flexes underfoot, dips in places or knocks when you walk across it.
Why it happens
Joists that are too small for their span, too few posts, posts sitting on soft ground, or missing noggins and blocking between joists.
How we fix it
We open up the deck in the problem area, add posts on proper footings, sister or replace joists and add blocking. Boards go back on with new clips.
3
Clips loose or failed
What you see
Boards rattle or shift sideways, clips poking out of the grooves, or screws backing out.
Why it happens
The wrong clips for the board, screws driven into soft or rotting joists, or a frame that moves because it was never fixed properly.
How we fix it
We check the joists the clips are screwed into, replace soft timber and refit with the board maker's own clips and fixings.
4
Gaps closing up or opening wide
What you see
Some gaps have disappeared and others are wide enough to lose a phone down.
Why it happens
Boards fixed without the maker's spacing, ends fixed rigidly at both ends, or no allowance for seasonal expansion.
How we fix it
We re-space the boards with the correct clips and set the end gaps to the maker's figures for the board length and season.
5
Staining, mould or water sitting
What you see
Dark patches, green growth at the edges or puddles that don't drain.
Why it happens
No fall across the deck, no airflow underneath, or leaves and soil trapped in the gaps and against the walls.
How we fix it
Where the frame needs it, we add a slight fall and open up the airflow around the edges. We'll also show you how to clean marks off the boards you have.
6
Fascia boards warping
What you see
The boards round the edge of the deck are wavy, bowed or coming away.
Why it happens
Fascia fixed without enough support behind it, or fixed tight with no room to move.
How we fix it
We add support battens at the spacing the maker sets and refix the fascia with the right gaps and fixings.
7
Rotting frame under the boards
What you see
Soft joists, mushrooms or a damp smell under the deck, boards dipping near the house.
Why it happens
Untreated or ground-contact timber, no joist tape, or a frame sitting in wet ground with no air around it.
How we fix it
We lift the boards, replace the rotten timber with treated joists, add joist tape and raise the frame clear of the ground. Sound boards are reused where we can.
Still not sure?
Photos tell us a lot. Send them and we'll give you our view.