If you want to keep your deck looking good and functioning properly, it’s important to repair problems that arise. This will prevent them from growing worse, which can lead to more serious damage or even a complete deck replacement.
Wood rot, cracks, and discoloration are all common signs that your deck needs a little work. But some issues are more structural than others, so it’s best to call in a professional like Deck Repair Summerville SC for a proper repair.
Wood rot is a serious problem that can cause structural damage to your home. If you notice signs of rot, it’s important to act quickly before it gets worse. If left unchecked, wood rot can destroy your entire deck and other structural components of your home.
Fortunately, you can identify and repair wood rot before it becomes a serious issue. There are several warning signs to watch out for that will help you recognize rot early on and prevent it from getting out of hand.
First, look for soft or discolored spots in your wood that are easily penetrated by moisture. Check around corners, under your roof deck, and on the tops of posts that are closest to the ground. If you find any soft spots, contact a handyman to assess the issue and provide a quote for repair.
Once you identify the problem area, scrape off the damaged wood and remove any debris that may be in the way. Next, use a wire brush to scrub away any excess rotting wood. Once you have the entire area clean, you can apply a wood hardener to the damaged areas. This will help strengthen the wood and help it resist future moisture attacks.
When applying the hardener, make sure to apply it in thick layers so it soaks into the wood thoroughly. Let the hardener dry for about 10 minutes before sanding it down to smooth it out.
Before attempting any repairs, always wear gloves to protect your hands from the chemicals you will be using. This will help you avoid skin irritations and allergic reactions.
It’s also a good idea to keep a close eye on the moisture content of your deck. Pooling water on your deck can encourage rot and decay, making the repair process even more difficult.
You can prevent wood rot by sealing the tops of your joists and beams with a quality flashing tape that acts as a moisture barrier. Butyl flashing tapes are made to withstand extreme temperatures and won’t peel, crack, or warp.
Cracked floorboards can be caused by a number of things, including water damage, pests, fungus, and the weather. In extreme cases, it may be necessary to replace the boards or sand them down. In the majority of cases, however, a repair will do the trick.
To avoid the need for a complete replacement, it is worth replacing any gaps in between boards with slivers of matching wood or proprietary draught strips, pushed into place and stained to match the floor’s color. This will not only make the space more comfortable, but it will also increase the warmth and reduce your heating bill.
You should start by identifying the two joists on either side of the damaged board. Mark these with a carpenter’s square, and then drill holes by these marks with a power drill and 1/2-inch-diameter spade bit.
Once you have the two joists identified, cut out the damaged floorboard and remove half of its groove using a chisel. Once this is done, you should have enough room to install a new board between the other two without contacting them.
Apply PVA to the ends of the replacement floorboard and slip it into place, tongue side in first. Then, drop the other side of the board into the space and fix it into place with 75mm deck screws from the block to the joist at both ends.
It is a good idea to use deck screws that are an inch longer than the existing nails, as these will bite into fresh wood better. Countersink them slightly so that the sides of the screw head are soft to provide a greater grip.