It`s essential to repair any minor damage to your deck to ensure it looks beautiful and functions well. 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 are one of the most common problems that homeowners have to deal with when it comes to repairing or replacing their wooden deck. This problem should not be ignored, regardless of whether it is caused by wood rot or termite infestation.
It is best to fix a rotten or damaged post immediately to avoid any further damage to your deck. In some cases, you may even be able to save a damaged post from replacement.
A new piece of wood can be attached to a damaged deck post. This is known as lamination and can be done using a variety materials such as wood filler, hardener and epoxy.
Usually, you`ll need to attach the new wood piece to the old wood post with marine epoxy, which is designed for extreme aquatic environments. Next, you will need to sand both pieces together until they are flush.
Loose Boards
When a decking board becomes loose, it can cause the whole structure to shake. This is a serious problem that needs to be repaired quickly to prevent structural damage.
Rot can also cause loose boards. Dry rot is a fungus that attacks wood that has been exposed to moisture. You can test for rot by poking a screwdriver in the end of the board and see if it sinks in easily.
This is the best way to fix this issue. Simply screw a piece timber under each floorboard. This will force the nails down and straighten them out, without damaging the surrounding wood.
The next step is to cut a replacement section of board that spans the damaged area. The new section should be sized to span at least two joist spaces and have end joints that do not align with the joints of adjacent boards on the deck.
Mold or Mildew
Mold and mildew can cause discoloration, decay, or structural problems on decks. These fungi can also cause allergies, asthma, irritation to the nose, itchy eyes, and swelling.
A soft-bristled toothbrush and a mildew or mold removal solution are needed for wood decks. A water-based soapy water blend or white vinegar diluted with water will work well to get rid of the problem.
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. Apply the cleaner to the affected area, and then scrub with a broom or a brush. Rinse with a garden hose after you`re done. This process may need to be repeated several times. If the problem persists, you may need to replace some of your deck boards.
Scratches
Scratches are an inevitable part of any outdoor decking material, especially if you spend a lot of time entertaining outdoors. From shoe scuffs to furniture dragging across the surface, there are a number of things that can cause scratches on composite decking.
Luckily, repairing scratches on composite decking is relatively simple and doesn`t require the expertise of a professional. These blemishes can be repaired, but it is important to be cautious.
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.