Deck / Fence
Rotting or soft boards
Likely cause, what to safely try first, and whether it gets worse if you wait.
Likely cause
Water intrusion breaking down untreated or aging wood.
What to try first
- Press a screwdriver into the suspect board — if it sinks in easily, that board needs replacing, not just resurfacing.
- Check the posts/footings too — rot often starts there before it's visible on the boards.
⚠ This tends to get worse (and more expensive) the longer it's left unaddressed — worth acting on soon.
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