A well-crafted deck provides a space for outdoor dining, entertaining and cherished moments with family and friends. But like all other parts of your home, a deck needs maintenance to perform at its best.
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Some cracking is expected with age, but some of it can be the result of a problem like termite damage or poor construction. When large sections of a deck start to wobble, it can be dangerous and should be addressed immediately by a professional.
When a board is cracked, the first step is to clean and dry the area around it. This helps the repair process later on. Then you can use wood filler or epoxy resin to fill the crack, following the product instructions. Make sure to spread the filler out and over the entire crack area, including the hairline parts of the crack. Sand the area once it dries to get it smooth.
Another common problem is sagging boards. It can be caused by a number of things, from wood rot or water damage to poor construction and installation. If you have a sagging deck, it’s important to check all the connections on your deck, from railings and stairs to ledger boards, which connect to the house. Loose or broken fasteners are one common cause of sagging, as are rusted nails and screws.
If you find a sagging section of your deck, you can use a high-lift jack to raise the floor. This can help stabilize the deck and give you a chance to get it repaired.
It’s also a good idea to look at the support beams for any signs of damage or rotting. Sometimes, a crack in a support beam can be the result of Brown Rot Fungi. These fungi are highly destructive to wood, and the cracks they create in a wood member can be very difficult to fix.
A professional can check for fungus and other problems that can cause sagging in a deck, and then recommend the appropriate repair. If the cracks are in load-bearing areas of a deck, it’s a good idea to replace the whole section rather than try to patch the problem. Otherwise, the deck may collapse. That’s why a thorough inspection by a professional is so important. It can ensure you spot problems before they turn into serious structural issues.
Loose or Deteriorated Fasteners
A sagging deck or wobbly railing might be signs that it’s time for a more serious repair. This could require the deck to be ripped down and replaced, which can be expensive. Homeowners can save some money by staining their own deck if the boards are not in bad shape, but replacing the railing or adding stairs and steps will require professional help.
Other common repairs for a deck include adding electrical outlets, plumbing fixtures, and outdoor lighting. These can add up quickly, especially if the contractor needs to purchase special electrical conduit or water pipe. Homeowners can help cut these costs by checking with local reuse-and-recycle centers to see if they offer discounted or free wood supplies.
Many of the tools needed for a successful DIY deck repair project can be found at your average hardware store. For a larger job, however, it’s best to rent or purchase more specialized equipment to get the project done right. A tape measure is essential for ensuring that replacement planks and new railings are the proper length, while a shovel can be helpful if you need to move soil to check foundations or expand a deck. Other must-haves for DIY deck repair projects include a circular saw, power drill, and hammer.
Screws can loosen over time, which means you may need to tighten them frequently or replace the screws entirely. Occasionally, a screw may even break inside the wood, which can be very difficult to fix with glue alone. If you’re able to find the broken screw, try turning it to loosen it before pulling it out, but don’t force it or you could create a bigger problem.
Deck joists can also become loose over time, which can cause problems for the deck’s structure and safety. It’s important to have these inspected by an expert, who can determine whether they need to be replaced or the deck needs to be reinforced.
If the deck is over a decade old, it’s a good idea to have its joists inspected for termite infestations and other structural issues. This will likely be a more extensive repair job than a standard inspection and should only be done by an experienced deck builder.
Rotted or Decayed Wood
Wood is one of the most incredible materials around. It literally grows from the ground, it’s durable and beautiful, easy to cut, and it’s responsible for framing 90% of all new homes. However, the wood we use in our homes is vulnerable to fungus and moisture damage. If left unchecked, rotted or decaying wood can destroy floor panels, joists and support beams. Identifying and repairing this problem is a priority for any homeowner.
The first sign of rot is usually peeling paint. This is a result of water penetrating the wood and pulling away the surface layers, leaving the porous underlying wood. If the rot is caught early, it may simply need to be sealed and flashed. However, if the rotting is advanced and the wood is soft, punky or crumbling, it will need to be replaced entirely.
Infected wood is less dense than undamaged wood, shrinks excessively on drying and often shows changes in color. If the rot is severe, it may also smell foul and appear pitted or spongy. Depending on the type of fungus, it can cause severe structural damage. Usually, brown rot is more serious than white rot, but in severe cases of both, the fungi can eat through entire wood members.
To repair rotted or decayed wood, it is important to remove the rotten portions of the board, scrape away any weakened sections and then treat it to eradicate any remaining fungus and prevent future infestations. This can be done with a combination of chemicals and fungicides, or by using a commercial wood preservative product that contains copper or borate. In addition, it is important to eliminate excess moisture, ensuring that gutters are clean and water is effectively drained.
If the rotted area is small, you can patch it with wood filler or a high-quality wood stain. If the rot is widespread, it is best to replace the wood completely to ensure that the replacement matches the surrounding area. Often, it’s easier and more cost-effective to replace a large section of wood rather than attempt to repair it.
Ledger Board Damage
The ledger board is an important part of the deck because it anchors it to your house. If the ledger is not securely attached, it could pull away from your house and cause structural damage. It is also a safety risk, as people walking across the deck may trip over loose boards.
Ledgers should be constructed from pressure-treated or rot-resistant dimensional lumber. In addition, they must be a minimum of 2×6 and be a similar length to the joists to ensure proper support. A building inspector we spoke with said that one of the most common mistakes DIYers make is failing to adequately fasten the ledger to the joists and the house. For a strong connection, the ledger should be fastened using 1/2-in. lag screws (or lag bolts if you have access to them from inside the house) driven every 16 in.
Proper installation of the ledger and flashing is essential to preventing water penetration and dry rot that can lead to costly home repairs. If the ledger is not installed correctly or has no flashing, water can penetrate the wood framing and rot the deck and the house structure. It is important to hire a licensed and experienced contractor for ledger installation and flashing.
A flashing system creates a barrier that prevents water from entering into the ledger board and also into the wall of your house. It is a simple installation that should be done with a minimum of removal of siding. Typically, vinyl flashing is used, but galvanized metal and copper flashing are acceptable as well. It is important to keep in mind that the flashing should be designed for the climatic conditions of your area.
When installing the flashing, a new sill patch should be slid under the existing deck and house siding and the flashing lip should cover the top of the ledger. It is also important to remove any joists that have to be removed from the house to gain access to the ledger. They should be reattached using joist hangers. Lastly, a waterproof membrane should be applied to the area where the deck meets the house to prevent moisture from seeping under the siding.