How to inspect and repair a damaged deckHow 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.
The best way to prevent damage is to inspect the deck regularly and repair any issues that arise. Keeping up with maintenance will help ensure that your deck lasts as long as possible and looks good, too.
Damaged Boards
Deck boards see a lot of wear and tear from the elements, so it`s common for them to deteriorate over time. This can make your deck appear less appealing or unsafe. It`s important that you inspect your deck for damage and fix it as soon as you can.
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.
Measure the existing deck boards and buy replacements that match them in size and wood species. This will help them blend in better with the rest of 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.
A single spot of rottenness can destabilize a deck and make it 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. Look out for greyish or darker-colored wood, these are signs of dry rot.
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. Once your wood has been repaired, you can stain or seal it to match the rest of your deck.
Water Damage
Decks that suffer from repeated water damage can be a costly and difficult project to repair. It`s important to call a company that specializes in home repairs, including decks, and has the expertise to do it right.
You should inspect the deck`s perimeter including posts, beams, joists and joists. Also, inspect the corners and railings for any rotting wood.
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 susceptible to rotting, so it`s essential to seal the deck. Sealants can help prevent dry rot and rot by locking out moisture. 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.
Tree limbs falling on decks can cause damage to the substructure. If they`re large, they can cause serious damage or even take out a deck altogether.
To help prevent this damage from happening, make sure that the footers are buried below the frost line. They can cause the ground to move when there is freezing or thawing, which could eventually result in damage to the deck.