How to Inspect and Repair a Damaged Deck
Although decks can be a wonderful addition to any home they can also become damaged. This can be caused by general wear and tear, or a one-time event.
It is important to maintain your deck and fix any problems that may arise. Keeping up with maintenance will help ensure that your deck lasts as long as possible and looks good, too.
Damaged Boards
Deck boards are subject to wear and tear, so they can deteriorate with time. This can make your deck look less than appealing or even unsafe, so it`s important to inspect it for damage and repair it as soon as possible.
Replacing a damaged deck board can save you the cost and trouble of building a whole new deck. Selecting the right wood is key to a successful restoration.
Take measurements of the deck boards you have and choose replacements that are equal in size and wood type. This will allow them to blend in with the rest the deck.
Rotted Spots
Deck joists can get rot from moisture. Rot occurs when a fungus thrives in dampness and darkness, as well as warm temperatures, eats away the wood.
It`s not uncommon for a single rotten spot to destabilize a deck, which can quickly become unsafe to use. If the damage is severe, it may be necessary to replace the entire deck.
Dry rot is an especially serious problem as it attracts termites, wood-eating pests that can seriously harm your deck`s integrity and safety. Search for long sheets of greyish mold or darker looking wood as these are common dry rot indicators.
If the rot is just on the surface of your deck, you can often repair it with a wood filler product. If the rot is more extensive and causes more deterioration than you would like, however, you will need to use a wood-hardening product. After your wood is repaired, you can stain it or seal it to match your deck.
Water Damage
Recurrent water damage to decks can lead to costly and complicated repairs. It`s important to call a company that specializes in home repairs, including decks, and has the expertise to do it right.
Inspect your deck`s perimeter, including boards, posts, joists, and beams. You`ll also want to look for rotting wood around corners, railings, and stairs.
It is important to immediately address any decaying or rotted areas on the deck. Rot can spread to surrounding wood and cause collapse.
Older wood is more prone to rotting so it`s important to seal your deck. A sealant will help to lock out moisture, which can prevent rot and dry rot from forming. Sealants will protect wood from mold and mildew which are common problems on decks.
Substructure damage
To ensure stability, the substructure underneath your deck includes the joists, posts and joists. It can cause serious damage in the future.
If you see any loose fittings, rot or sagging in the joists, it`s time for repairs. You can sink a screwdriver into a post or joist to check for rot.
Often, damage to the substructure is caused by tree limbs that fall on a deck. If they`re large, they can cause serious damage or even take out a deck altogether.
This will help to prevent any damage. If they aren`t, the ground can move up and down when freezing and thawing cycles occur, which can eventually damage the deck.