Proper surface maintenance can help extend the life of your deck. Regularly moving furniture and removing obstructed areas can save on repair costs.
Wood rot can be expensive to repair, but it is also easier to catch and address early on before damage gets out of control. If the rot affects weight-bearing posts, it will cost more to replace them than if the issue is limited to surface rotting. Visit Website to learn more.
Whether you’re constructing a deck from scratch or buying pre-made boards, wood warping is one of the most common problems that can affect your project. The good news is that a little patience and elbow grease can usually fix the issue. However, if left unchecked, these issues can lead to significant structural damage and may require costly repairs or replacement of the damaged boards.
Warping is caused when changes in moisture content cause the wood to expand or shrink unevenly along its length. The reason this occurs is that different areas of the board absorb or lose water at a different rate than the opposite face. This causes the fibers to stretch and pull on the board, causing it to twist or cup into that familiar “C” shape.
The solution for this problem is to make the entire board more even in moisture content. One way to do this is by using a floor sander to smooth out the surface. Be sure to sand with the grain of the wood and keep the sander moving at a steady pace. Another method is to use a heavy object like a book or box to flatten the board. Finally, if the warping is severe, you can also replace the affected planks with new ones.
While sanding and placing heavy objects can help to straighten warped planks, they are only temporary solutions. Eventually the planks will start to warp again as they re-absorb moisture in the surrounding environment. To prevent this, it’s best to use a wood finish or sealant that will protect the boards from excessive moisture.
Another way to fix twisted or cupped warped wood is by steaming the boards back into a flat state. To do this, first place the board on a flat surface and clamp it into position. Next, take a wet cloth and cover it with the area of the warp. Then place a hot iron over the wet cloth and allow it to steam. This will help the wood fibers relax and will make the board much more pliable.
Cracked or Splintered Boards
Cracked and splintered boards are usually the result of a deck that has gone untreated and unsealed for too long. This allows water to soak into the wood, which causes it to rot and become unsafe. To prevent this from happening again, make sure to seal and stain your deck every 2-3 years.
If you have a cracked or splintered board, start by carefully removing it with a pry bar or hammer. Once it is removed, you can replace the board with a new one that is cut to match. To ensure that the new board fits correctly, you should use a circular saw to make clean and precise cuts. Before you glue the new board in place, it is a good idea to pre-drill holes so that the screws can penetrate deep enough into the wood to hold the board.
Using a circular saw is also the best way to cut any other replacement wood for your deck. This will ensure that the new wood is perfectly sized and shaped for the job at hand, and it will be easier to screw into place than a board that has been cut with a table or miter saw. Once the replacement board is in place, apply a liberal amount of wood glue to the ends to help it stay secure. If you want to make the process faster, you can pre-drill the holes with a drill before applying any glue.
If the new board still has a lot of splinters, you can use a chisel to remove them. Then, sand the surface of the board to remove any rough spots and to create a smooth, even finish. Once you have sanded the surface of the board, you can apply a restoration coating to it to bring back the color and protect the wood from further damage.
Another common problem that can occur with deck boards is cupping, which occurs when the wood expands or contracts at different rates and creates an uneven surface. This is often caused by improper installation, and it can be prevented by ensuring that the board is laid down in the direction of the growth rings. Tinted sealers and deck stains will help to prevent both cupping and graying by blocking the sun’s UV rays.
Mold or Algae Growth
Whether the green stuff is a simple algae growth or a mold and mildew infestation, it’s a huge problem for decks. Both algae and mold latch onto porous surfaces, thriving in moist conditions and causing discoloration and damage over time. Wooden decks are especially susceptible to moisture accumulation, including rain and humidity, as well as puddled water from snow melt and poor drainage. This can lead to rot, sagging, warping and other structural problems.
Algae and mold aren’t just unsightly, they can also cause health issues for people. Mold spores can trigger allergies in some individuals, particularly infants, those with preexisting health conditions or compromised immune systems. Some people may even experience more severe symptoms, such as shortness of breath, headaches or memory loss. Black mold is especially dangerous, triggering a fungal infection called mycotoxicosis.
The good news is that algae and mold are relatively easy to remove with the proper cleaning tools. A deck cleaner containing bleach, a scrub brush and water will typically do the trick. If you’re looking for a more natural solution, try a mix of white vinegar and water or liquid dishwashing detergent with water.
Alternatively, you can use a pressure washer to blast away algae and other debris. Just be sure to use caution and follow all manufacturer instructions when using a pressure washer.
Once the deck is clean, a fresh coat of stain or paint will help prevent future algae or mold growth and restore its appearance. A new coat of stain or paint should take a few days to dry, so plan accordingly.
If you’re replacing individual boards, make sure to get the same type of wood and staining as the rest of your deck to ensure a seamless look. Before you head to the hardware store, make a sketch or diagram of your deck and take note of the board length and type as well as the color. This will make it easier to match the exact shade and wood type when you’re buying materials at the store. It’s also a good idea to bring along a sample piece of your decking, so you can make sure the new replacement boards will match in seamlessly.
Damaged Railings
Your deck’s railings are vital to keeping you and your guests safe. If they’re damaged, a person can fall over the side and suffer serious injuries. If you notice any signs of damage to your railings, it’s important to call in deck services right away. Damaged railings can be caused by physical impact, environmental factors, or simply age and wear. Damages range from scratches and scuffs to cracks and breaks.
If you notice that your railings are sagging, this is an indication that they need to be replaced. You can also check for loose screws and brackets. If they’re loose, you can try tightening them to make sure your railings are secure. However, if the problem persists, it may be time to consider replacing your railings altogether.
Check for any signs of rust or corrosion on your metal railings, as these can weaken them over time. For wooden railings, look for any sections that have splintered or cracked. You should also be on the lookout for rotting wood around the base of your rail posts, which can lead to serious structural problems down the line.
Scratches and scuffs on your railings are fairly common, especially with wood, but they shouldn’t be ignored. It’s important to keep in mind that your railings prevent people from falling over the side of your deck or down a set of stairs, so any damage could pose a significant safety risk. If you do find some minor scuffs or scratches on your railings, you can often remedy the issue with a touch-up paint or stain.
The most effective way to keep your deck in top shape is to perform a visual inspection of your deck and its railings on a regular basis. In addition to catching any major issues, this process will help you spot any smaller problems before they become major concerns. By catching and repairing these issues early, you’ll ensure that your deck is safe and functional for years to come.
