If you want to keep your deck looking beautiful and functioning well, it`s important to repair minor damage. It can attract wood-loving insects or rot.
There are many DIY options available for common deck problems. But for more serious problems, you may need to hire a professional.
Rotted Posts
Rotted deck posts are one of the most common problems that homeowners have to deal with when it comes to repairing or replacing their wooden deck. Whether it`s because of wood rot or termite damage, this problem is not something you want to ignore.
It`s best to repair a rotten post as soon as possible before it causes any additional issues to your deck. In some cases, you may even be able to save a damaged post from replacement.
You can repair a rotten deck post by attaching a new piece of wood to the old one. This is known as lamination and can be done using a variety materials such as wood filler, hardener and epoxy.
You will usually need to attach the wood piece to the existing wood post using marine epoxy. This epoxy is specifically designed for harsh environments. Next, you will need to sand both pieces together until they are flush.
Loose Boards
The whole structure can shake if a decking board is loose. This is a serious problem that needs to be repaired quickly to prevent structural damage.
Loose boards can also be caused by rot. Dry rot is a fungus that attacks wood that has been exposed to moisture. To test for dry rot, you can poke a screwdriver into the end of the board to see if it sinks easily.
The best way to repair this problem is to screw a piece of timber below the floorboards either side. This will push the nails down and straighten them without causing damage to the wood.
Next, cut a new section of board to replace the damaged area. The new section should span at least 2 joist spaces. It should also have no end joints that align with adjacent boards.
Mold or Mildew
Mold and mildew can cause discoloration, decay, or structural problems on decks. These fungi can also lead to a variety of health problems, such as allergies, coughing, nasal irritation, itchy throat, and swollen or painful eyes.
A soft-bristled toothbrush and a mildew or mold removal solution are needed for wood decks. To get rid of the problem, you can use a water-based soapy solution or white vinegar mixed with water.
A solution with oxygen bleach is recommended for more severe cases of mildew. This will help to remove any stains and kill any moldspores from your deck. Use the cleaner to clean the area. After that, scrub the deck with a broom and a brush. After you are done, rinse with a gardenhose. You may need to repeat the process a few times. If the problem persists you might need to replace your deck boards.
Scratches
Scratches are a natural part of outdoor decking materials, especially if you entertain outdoors a lot. There are many things that can scratch composite decking, including furniture and shoes.
Repairing scratches on composite decking requires little expertise and is easy to do. However, it`s important to be careful when repairing these blemishes.
If you have a heat gun, hold it about 8 inches to 12 inches away from the scratch. This will help blend the scratched and non-scratched areas together.
You can also use a wire brush to lightly scrape off scratches from the boards. Make sure you work in the direction of grain. This will make the composite slightly lighter, but will weather back to its original appearance in about 8 to 10 weeks.