Atlanta summers are hot and wet. That mix is hard on wood. Decks, pergolas, and fences soak up water. Then they bake in the heat. The wood starts to warp or rot. We see this most in yards with big oak trees. Shade keeps wood damp longer after rain. If your deck boards feel soft, don't wait. If your railings wobble, don't wait. If your fence posts lean, don't wait. Small rot spreads fast once it starts. A weak board can turn into a safety problem. We've also seen ice storms crack pergola beams. They looked fine the week before. Carpenters who work with outdoor wood need real training.[1] They learn about wood and weather. That's what we do on every job.