Your deck is the most prominent part of your home. It should look great and function properly.
However, like any structure on your home, it can suffer from damage or deterioration. 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.
Decking that is damaged
Although the decking under your home serves as a support for the roof, it is susceptible to water damage. If left untreated, rotted wood can cause serious structural problems.
It`s usually best to replace damaged decking rather than attempt to repair it. Because repairing individual pieces can cause the weaker wood to twist, bend or warp.
Before moving any damaged decking, make sure it`s solidly fastened and that there are no rotting or broken joists beneath it. If you`re unsure, have a professional take a look at it.
You will need to first remove any decking that is damaged and then measure the replacement boards. Make cuts to size, then screw the new ones into place with galvanized nails or stainless steel screws. You`ll need a cordless drill for this purpose as well as a sander for smoothing down the new 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.
Triangular glue blocks can also be glued in place at the join of the tread and riser to provide stability, while also suppressing squeaks. 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.
If rot has affected the surface of your deck boards, you can use a wood filler to fix the damage. If the boards are also rotting around their frames, it is time to replace them.
Substructures damaged
When a deck`s substructure is damaged, it needs to be repaired. This can be done easily and cost effectively by simply removing the damaged area and replacing it with a new piece of wood.
The substructure is composed of beams, posts, and joists. Posts are vertical pieces that rest on the footer and carry the weight of the decking boards. Beams, which are large framing members that run parallel to the posts and support joists, are large.
They are usually 3“ wide and 8“ or 10“ deep, sitting on top of the posts. The joists are smaller and run in between the beams.
These parts don`t receive a lot of UV light, but they do collect moisture. This can cause the base of the post where it rests on the footer to rot, as well as the area where the beams attach to the posts. Keeping an eye on these areas can help you avoid costly repairs and ensure that your deck remains in good condition for years to come.