Your deck is one of the most visible parts of your home. It should look great and function properly.
It can, however, be damaged or deteriorated just like any other structure in your home. It doesn`t matter if it is a one-time problem or the effects that age and sun exposure have on your deck, it`s crucial to have it inspected and repaired promptly.
Damaged Decking
The decking underneath your home acts as a support system for the roof, but it can be susceptible to water damage. Rotting wood in this area can lead to serious structural problems if left untreated.
It is better to replace decking that has been damaged than to attempt to repair it. This is because repairing pieces one at a time can cause the weakened wood to bend, twist or warp.
Make sure that any decking is properly fastened before moving it. Also, ensure there are no broken or rotting joists underneath it. If you`re unsure, have a professional take a look at it.
Before you can move any damaged decking, you`ll need to remove the old one and measure for replacement boards. Make cuts to size, then screw the new ones into place with galvanized nails or stainless steel screws. A cordless drill is required for this task, as well as a sander to smoothen the boards.
Loose Stairs
A loose joint is likely to cause a squeak when you use stairs. As wooden stair parts age, they will become looser. This can lead to squeaks because the joints rub against one another and the nails and screws which hold them together.
The easiest solution to this problem is to refasten the treads and risers back to their stringers, where they are attached at the point of the squeak. This can be done by driving nails through the squeaking tread at a 45-degree angle (one at each end of the tread) and then into a stringer.
To provide stability and to suppress squeaks, triangular glue blocks may be used at the junction of the tread & riser. These blocks are made of two-inch cubes that are cut across the diagonal and then pressed into the right angle at both ends of the tread.
Rotted Spots
Rotted spots might seem like a minor problem but they can spread to the entire deck and require extensive deck repair. It is important to inspect the entire area and evaluate if insect damage is also causing the rot, so it can be treated appropriately.
Dry rot is caused by fungus which eats the wood`s cellulose, weakening it and making it more susceptible to moisture and insects. It can cause a deck to discolor, become spongy, and flake apart when wet.
When checking a deck for rot, try looking for long sheets of grayish mold or darker wood that appear on the surface or around posts. These areas will be softer than the rest if you push them with a screwdriver.
You can fill in any damage to your deck boards by using a wood filler. But if the boards are also rotting along their frames, you should consider replacing them.
Substructures damaged
When a deck`s substructure is damaged, it needs to be repaired. It is easy and inexpensive to repair the deck`s substructure by simply removing it and replacing it with new wood.
The substructure is made up of posts, beams, and joists. Posts are vertical pieces that rest on the footer and carry the weight of the decking boards. Beams are large framing members that run perpendicular to the posts and support the joists.
They sit on top of the posts and are typically 3“ in width, 8“ or 10-foot deep. The joists are smaller and run in between the beams.
Although these parts are not exposed to a lot UV light, they do retain moisture. The area where the beams attach can become rotted. These areas should be monitored to avoid expensive repairs and preserve the deck`s condition for many years.