How to Repair a Damaged Deck
Decks provide a wonderful place for family and friends to enjoy the outdoors, but they also require special attention to keep them looking good and functioning properly. The right selection of materials and installation procedures are important factors in ensuring that your deck lasts for years to come.
When the surface of your wood deck begins to wear, you’ll want to repair it as soon as possible. This is especially true when you see signs of structural damage like cupping, warping or bowing.
If the damage is limited to a single board or a small section, repairing it may be all that’s needed to get your deck back into shape. If the issue is more extensive, though, you might need to remove or replace the entire deck board.
Fixing a damaged deck can be an overwhelming task. But with some patience and a little bit of know-how, you can tackle it yourself or hire a professional.
First, check your ledger boards for cracks or rot. These are the long, horizontal pressure-treated boards that attach your deck to the house. If you notice any cracks, rot, water stains or other signs of decay, contact your local building inspector to get the ball rolling on your repairs.
Once the ledger boards have been inspected, you’ll need to make a plan to repair them. Some people simply replace the ledger board with a new one, but that can be more expensive than repairing the existing one.
You might be able to patch a cracked ledger board with some composite decking. This can be a great way to save money and still have a beautiful, functional surface.
However, it’s important to use a decking product that matches the look of your other decking materials. To do this, you’ll need to stain or paint the replacement decking to match the color of the rest of your deck.
Another option is to use a wood preservative that’s made specifically for decking. Apply the product to the wood with a brush, sanding lightly afterward. This will help seal in moisture and prevent rot.
Be sure to cover the repair with a coat of decking oil so that it doesn’t trap water or attract insects, which can wreak havoc on your wood. You can buy decking oil at most home improvement stores, and it will protect your wood from the elements while preserving its natural beauty.
Dry rot is a serious problem that can destroy the wood cellulose, making it weak and prone to cracking and warping. This rot is typically caused by insects and water damage, and it can spread easily from one area to another.
It can be hard to spot dry rot, but it’s worth taking the time to inspect your whole deck. To test for the presence of rot, try using a screwdriver or other sharp object to poke a board and see if it sinks in easily.
If you’ve got a major problem with your deck, such as rotting or insect damage, you should hire a contractor to make the necessary repairs. They’ll be able to diagnose the problem and determine if the issue requires a full deck replacement or more minor fixes.