If you want to keep your deck looking beautiful and functioning well, it`s important to repair minor damage. Otherwise, it can rot or attract wood-loving insects.
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 is a common problem homeowners face when attempting to repair or replace 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. Sometimes, you might be able even to save damaged posts from being replaced.
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. Then, you`ll have to sand the two pieces together to make them flush with each other.
Loose Boards
The whole structure can shake if a decking board is loose. This is a serious problem and must be fixed quickly to avoid structural damage.
Rot can also cause loose boards. Dry rot is a fungus which attacks wood that has been subjected 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.
The next step is to cut a replacement section of board that spans 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 are fungi that are a common cause of discoloration, decay, and 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.
To remove mold or mildew from a wood deck, you`ll need a soft-bristled brush and cleaning solution. A water-based soapy water blend or white vinegar diluted with water will work well to get rid of the problem.
For more serious cases of mildew, a solution containing oxygen bleach can help you remove the stains and kill any mold spores on your deck. Apply the cleaner to the affected area, and then scrub with a broom or a brush. After you are done, rinse with a gardenhose. This process may need to be repeated several times. If the problem persists you might need to replace your deck boards.
Scratches
Scratches are an inevitable part of any outdoor decking material, especially if you spend a lot of time entertaining outdoors. 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.
You can use a heat gun to hold the heat gun 8-12 inches from the scratch. This will help blend the scratched and non-scratched areas together.
Alternatively, you can use a wire brush to gently scrape the scratches off of the boards, working in the direction of the grain. This will make the composite slightly lighter, but will weather back to its original appearance in about 8 to 10 weeks.