Over time, a deck can take a beating. Water damage from rain, rock salt used to melt snow, and sun can cause warped boards and rotted joists. Check for signs of rot on your deck regularly. If you notice any, call a House Deck Repair expert right away. Deck Repair Charleston SC will perform a thorough inspection and plan repairs.
When a deck starts to sag, it can be caused by damaged joists that have begun to rot. Inspecting these deck areas regularly for signs of rot is important as a homeowner. If these spots are discovered early, restoring the joists and keeping the deck in good condition is often possible. However, if the joists are severely rotten they will likely have to be replaced altogether.
To discover any rotted joists, removing the deck boards and examining the area underneath is essential. If the joists are showing severe deterioration, having these areas inspected by a professional is a good idea. It is not uncommon for these deck parts to be neglected, and if they are not repaired it can lead to serious structural problems that can put the entire structure at risk.
If the joists are in bad shape, it’s recommended that they be sistered to new joists to prevent the structure from becoming unstable. The first step is to cut the old joist down to size with a circular saw or one that is similar in size. If the joist is secured to beams or posts with nails, it’s best to replace these with screws as they provide more holding power than nails. If the joist is nailed to other joists with joist ties, it’s a good idea to remove these as well.
Once the joist has been removed it’s a good idea to use a chisel to remove any parts of the joist that have become soft and rotten. This should be done on all sides of the joist where the rot is present. It’s also a good idea to inspect these areas of the deck for any other sign of rot. It’s also recommended that all rotted wood be cleaned and treated before it is used for any other purposes.
Once the wood is clean, it should be treated with a high-adhesion synthetic rubber sealant such as S-1 Clear Penetrating Epoxy Sealer. This product is easy to apply, and it will help to protect the treated wood from rot in the future.
Damaged Railings
Your deck rails help prevent you and your guests from falling off your porch or stairs. They need to be strong and secure to do their job well. Falling off a deck is not only dangerous, it can lead to severe injuries and even death, depending on how tall the deck is. It is important to have a professional look at any damage to your deck railings so you can ensure they are sturdy and ready for anyone to use them.
Unless you have a deck made of exotic wood, your deck railings are likely to be constructed from treated pine or cedar. These are affordable materials and require less maintenance than composite decking or aluminum. Whether you have a wooden or vinyl railing, it is easy to replace damaged or worn sections. Simply remove the screws or nails holding the old railing and pry it up with a crowbar.
Once the railing has been removed, you can cut out the damaged section of board and screw in a new one. Be sure to predrill the screw holes so you don’t split the joists when you nail it in place. When installing a replacement, it’s a good idea to use deck screws rather than nails, as they are more secure and can hold up to weathering better than traditional nails.
Before you install the replacement, it’s a good idea for your safety to clean the area where the old board was. This will help you see any water or insect damage, which could impact how long the replacement board lasts. In addition, it is important to remove any nails that are sticking out of the joists. This can be done with a hand tool or by using a power drill attachment for your hammer claw.
Once the repair is complete, you’ll want to stain the newly repaired or replaced section of the deck. Staining is an essential part of any deck because it protects the wood from moisture that can lead to rot or warping. You can choose a clear, semi-transparent or solid stain. When applying the stain, it’s a good idea to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application and drying times.
Mold or Mildew
Mold or mildew on a deck is a serious issue that can cause the wood to rot or to become soft and brittle. It also poses a health risk since it can cause respiratory problems like coughing fits and sinus issues. Mold and mildew begin as tiny spores that can spread rapidly, so it’s important to catch these growths early.
Mildew is often the first sign that your deck needs a little care and attention. This type of fungus thrives in moist conditions, so it’s best to sweep and rinse regularly to prevent it from growing. You can also remove awnings and covers to allow the sun’s rays to dry the deck surface.
However, if your deck starts to get moldy or damp for extended periods of time, you should call in an expert to perform mold remediation. This involves a more thorough cleaning and can involve replacing sections of the deck if the damage is too severe.
In most cases, mildew will go away on its own if it’s allowed to air out and if the area is frequently swept. If the mildew is still there, you can try a chemical treatment. This can range from fungicides that kill the organism to cleaning agents that seep into the wood to bleach stains.
If you do choose to use chemicals, it’s important to wear the proper gear. This includes safety goggles, rubber gloves, an air mask and long-sleeved work clothes to keep the spores from contacting your skin or inhaling them. You’ll also need to sand the affected areas using either hand sandpaper or a belt sander with the right grit for your deck’s wood.
If you use a power washer to clean the deck, it’s important not to press too hard as this can push the spores deeper into the wood. It’s also a good idea to wait until the weather has dried before staining the area, so that you don’t end up with a water-resistant coating that could encourage mold or mildew to return. If you do decide to reseal the area, be sure to pick a stain that’s designed for outdoor use and apply it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Loose Boards
Even the sturdiest decks require regular maintenance to stay in good condition. While there are some problems that may seem to need immediate attention, like splintering or mold or mildew, most can be fixed with a little time and effort. A few of the more serious issues that can occur on a deck are wood rot, loose boards, and structural problems. If you notice any of these signs of trouble, it’s important to contact a professional for a thorough inspection and the right deck repair.
A sagging or uneven deck is often caused by unstable footings. Unstable footings can result from soil movement, frost heave, or erosion that put pressure on the foundation of your deck. In some cases, more extensive repairs, like replacing the deck footings, are required.
Deck posts can also become loose over time, especially if they are not installed properly. Loose deck posts can lead to structural damage and serious injury. Checking the stability of your deck’s post is a good idea, especially after it has been rained on. A loosened deck post can be corrected by tightening loose screws or bolts.
Another common cause of loose deck boards is moisture absorption. When untreated deck boards absorb too much moisture, they will swell. This can move fasteners in the joists, which causes the deck board to become loose. This can be corrected by sealing the deck boards with a waterproof stain.
If you see a lot of rotted spots on your deck, it’s important to remove them as soon as possible. It’s also a good idea to use a preservative on the affected areas to prevent the rot from spreading. In some cases, the rot can get so bad that the entire deck board needs to be replaced.