Decks are an excellent way to expand your living space and increase your home’s value. But like any type of structure, they need regular maintenance and repair to keep them looking great and working well. When there is damage or deterioration on your deck, you need to take action right away. Otherwise, it can lead to structural issues that are difficult and expensive to fix. If you don’t have the time or knowledge to repair your deck, it’s best to call in a professional who has experience in this area and can take care of your needs quickly and efficiently. To learn more on how to properly maintain and repair your deck, check it out!
First, you’ll need to clean your deck thoroughly and assess any problems you see. Check for rotten or decayed wood, cracked railings and banisters, sagging boards, and any other signs of wear. Pay special attention to areas that are frequently wet or soaked by water longer than the rest of your deck. If you find any damaged boards, remove them from the deck using a pry bar, screwdriver, or nail puller to get the nails out of the wood. If you can’t access the fasteners, cut them out with a chisel or saw. Then, replace the board with a new one of similar material, such as pressure treated lumber, and reinstall the fasteners. This homepage has more details on how to properly maintain and repair your deck.
Aside from the obvious repairs, you should also stain your deck at least once every one to three years to protect against extensive rot and sun damage. This is especially important if your deck is not sealed. Sealing a deck can prevent moisture intrusion and prevent mold and mildew growth from occurring. It also helps to keep insects from finding the perfect place to nest. Staining can help restore the natural color of your wood and make it easier to spot potential repairs. It will also help prevent rot from occurring in the future. Once your deck has been cleaned, inspected, and repaired, you should apply a coat of clear waterproofing or a stain that is designed to resist water.
If your deck is in a climate with high humidity, you may want to add a layer of a water repellent after the stain dries. Lastly, you should apply a coat of decking oil to seal the repaired area and prevent future moisture from entering it. The oil will also help the repair last longer and make it easier to clean off. Rebuilding Your Deck Depending on the nature of your deck, it might need to be rebuilt from scratch. This is a more serious deck repair and requires more advanced carpentry skills and heavy equipment rentals.
It’s a good idea to leave this project to the pros, however, since it can be costly to hire someone for such a job. To build a new deck, plan your layout and choose materials. Look for lumber that is similar to the original and that matches the existing color scheme. You should also be sure to use the same type of fasteners as originally used, such as pressure-treated screws and nails. You can get more enlightened on this topic by reading here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deck_railing.