Privacy Fence Installation Columbia MO | Call Columbia Deck & Fence

In our climate, the most common signs are soft or spongy wood, visible rot near post bases, loose handrails, and nails that keep popping up. If your deck boards splinter or cup after a wet spring, it’s a clear indicator. Columbia’s humidity and freeze-thaw cycles accelerate wear. Catching these early can save the structure. We recommend an annual check – especially after a harsh winter – to see if any boards feel bouncy or if the ledger board (where the deck attaches to the house) shows gaps or water stains.

Our area gets about 40 inches of rain a year, plus high humidity. This moisture gets trapped between boards and under foot traffic. If the deck wasn't properly flashed or sealed, water seeps into the end grain of lumber. The solution involves replacing rotted joists or boards with pressure-treated lumber or a low-maintenance composite like Trex. We also ensure proper flashing at the house wall and add spacing for drainage. For an existing deck, we can sister new joists alongside old ones and replace only the bad sections, saving you money while restoring strength.

If the framing (joists, beams, posts) is still sound, a repair could work. But in Columbia, older decks often have undersized footings or improper lag bolts at the ledger. If you notice wobbling or sagging, it’s a safety issue. We do a structural inspection. If more than 30% of the decking or support structure is compromised, a full replacement is usually more cost-effective and safer. A new deck with modern brackets and footings will handle our freeze-thaw cycles much better. Plus, you get to choose new materials that match your home and lifestyle.