A well-maintained deck provides years of enjoyment and safety for family and guests. But if repairs are constantly needed or safety issues arise, it may be time to consider a full replacement.
Start with a thorough inspection. Use a screwdriver to poke and prod, especially in areas that make contact with the ground. Check for wood rot and make sure the structural beams are securely fastened to the posts.
When a deck board or slat begins to look discolored, has soft spots and feels spongey, that’s a sure sign that the wood is rotting from within. If left unchecked, rotted boards can give way under your feet or when you apply pressure to them like leaning on a railing. When you notice rotted boards, call in the professionals right away. Replacing rotted planks and slats requires tearing off all the roofing materials like underlayment and shingles, cutting out the rotten wood and installing new material. After the repairs are complete, it’s important to inspect and replace any adjoining boards that may be affected.
Cracked or split boards are another clear indicator that your deck needs repair. If a crack is deep and wide, or if it’s located at a structural connection point, this is a serious issue that will likely require professional attention and possibly replacement of the damaged board or section. It’s also a good idea to inspect the area around cracked or split boards for signs of moisture damage. Look for signs of rot, including long sheets of greyish mold, and look for any areas where water collects – this could be due to an issue with your home’s plumbing, poor drainage, misaligned gutters, or a sprinkler system problem that’s causing water pooling.
In addition to examining the boards for damage, you should also examine the supports like beams and ledger boards. Look for signs of rot, cracks, loose hardware and insect infestations. Inspect any wood surfaces that are regularly exposed to moisture for rot, mold and mildew and check the integrity of the wood with a screwdriver. A spongy feel to the wood is an indication of moisture damage, which is a leading cause of dry rot.
If you find a section of the deck that is showing signs of rot, the best option to prevent further damage and to keep your family safe is to remove the damaged boards and replace them with treated pine or composite boards that won’t swell, check or rot. Once the new boards are installed, be sure to protect them with a preservative to help keep them protected from further moisture damage.
Warped or Cupped Boards
Warp is a common problem that occurs when wood gets wet or if it’s exposed to humidity changes. This moisture can cause the boards to swell or shrink unevenly, leading to distortions. There are several ways to fix a cupped or curved board but the first thing you will need to do is to identify the warp type. There are three primary types of warp: cupped, bowed or crooked, and twisted. Cupped or bowed warps are easy to spot as they usually have a convex shape on one side. Crooked or twisted warps are more difficult to notice but they can be found by laying the wood flat and looking for points that don’t meet evenly on both sides of the board.
To prevent warp, make sure to store lumber indoors in a dry place with little to no exposure to sunlight or humidity. Stacking wood tightly also helps to keep it flat and straight. If you’ve already bought a piece of lumber that has warped, try placing weight on it or putting it on a flat surface for a few days. This will help to flatten the warped board and may be enough to prevent it from returning to its original shape.
If the warp is not too pronounced, you can try the sun method. Wrap the bowed or cupped board in a wet towel and set it outdoors in direct sunlight for a few days. This will reintroduce the natural moisture content into the board and help it to return to its original shape. This works for all kinds of wood, especially if it has been painted or stained.
If the warp is more serious, it might be necessary to use a sander or benchtop thickness planer to even out the board. If the warp is twisted, you will need to steam or heat the board to encourage the fibers to expand outward and straighten the board. If the board is still twisted after trying both of these methods, you will need to replace it with new lumber.
Water Damage
When a deck gets enough water damage, it can lose its strength. It can also lead to other problems like warped boards or mold and mildew. If you see any of these signs, you’ll need to call in a professional for restoration or replacement of the damaged wood.
A small puddle on your deck might seem harmless, but if it continues to sit there for weeks, it can cause rot and other issues. It can even attract bugs and critters to the area, leading to an infestation. Pests like termites, carpenter ants, and woodpeckers can be particularly damaging to a deck. Look for wood dust and droppings around the deck posts or in the yard to spot them early on.
Leaking decks can also be a big problem for the integrity of your home’s foundation. If your deck isn’t properly flashed and sealed, water can soak into the ledger board that connects it to your house. The rotting can then spread to the sheathing and siding on your home. Over time, this can cause the deck to pull away from your home, which can be very dangerous.
Another sign of water damage to your deck is the appearance of splotches or patches of discoloration. These areas are often lighter or darker than the rest of your deck. The color difference is a result of water soaking into the wood and staining it.
Deck boards and support beams are usually held in place by nails or screws, which can become loose over time. A loose board can easily fall off the deck and be a safety hazard for anyone walking on it. Loose boards should be secured with new screws or nails to prevent them from falling off and further damaging the structure of your deck.
While it’s impossible to keep your deck in perfect condition, regular maintenance and a little bit of repair can help to prolong the life of your favorite outdoor space. Check your deck regularly for these common problems and call a professional if you need to make any repairs.
Mold or Algae
The best way to keep your deck looking great is by taking care of minor issues before they become bigger problems. Mild stains that are the result of spills or dirt can be cleaned with a mild detergent solution and rinsed off. More severe stains may require the use of mineral spirits. Mold or algae growth should be addressed immediately, as both are a sign of deteriorating wood. Depending on the type, both of these can be detrimental to your home’s siding and roof, as well as pose health issues for you and your family.
Mold and fungus love to grow in damp conditions, and even rot-resistant wood like redwood or cedar can succumb. Mold is especially harmful for humans, causing respiratory problems, headaches and more. Algae is also harmful to people, pets and plants. It eats limestone filler in shingles and can cause discoloration to the exterior of your home, as well as eat through organic materials such as leaves and grass.
Loose Fasteners
Moisture accumulation, exacerbated by improper drainage, can lead to a sagging deck that feels soft underfoot or has a spongey feel. A sagging deck is a safety issue, so it should be repaired as soon as possible.
Popped nails and screws are another sign of a deck that needs repair. Vibrations from foot traffic and changing weather can loosen fasteners, so check and tighten them regularly.
Insect Damage
Woodpeckers, termites and carpenter ants can destroy your deck and the wood that supports it. Look for small holes in the boards and wood dust on the ground beneath your deck to spot pest damage.
Keeping your deck in good condition helps ensure that it is safe and beautiful for you and your guests to enjoy throughout the year. It also increases the value of your home. However, some repairs are beyond your abilities or comfort level to take on yourself. For these more extensive deck repair issues, consider hiring a Neighborly professional to do the job. They make it their business to get your deck repaired promptly and to high quality standards.