If you want to keep your deck looking beautiful and functioning well, it`s important to repair minor damage. It can attract wood-loving insects or rot.
There are many DIY options available for common deck problems. For more serious issues, you might need to call a professional.
Rotted Posts
Rotted deck posts is a common problem homeowners face when attempting to repair or replace their wooden deck. Whether it`s because of wood rot or termite damage, this problem is not something you want to ignore.
It`s best to repair a rotten post as soon as possible before it causes any additional issues to your deck. Sometimes, you might be able even to save damaged posts from being replaced.
A new piece of wood can be attached to a damaged deck post. This is known as lamination and can be done using a variety materials such as wood filler, hardener and epoxy.
You will usually need to attach the wood piece to the existing wood post using marine epoxy. This epoxy is specifically designed for harsh environments. Then, you`ll have to sand the two pieces together to make them flush with each other.
Loose Boards
When a decking board becomes loose, it can cause the whole structure to shake. This is a serious problem that needs to be repaired quickly to prevent structural damage.
Rot can also cause loose boards. Dry rot is a fungus that attacks wood that has been exposed to moisture. To test for dry rot, you can poke a screwdriver into the end of the board to see if it sinks easily.
This is the best way to fix this issue. Simply screw a piece timber under each floorboard. This will push the nails down and straighten them without causing damage to the wood.
Next, cut a new section of board to replace the damaged area. The new section should span at least 2 joist spaces. It should also have no end joints that align with adjacent boards.
Mold or Mildew
Mold and mildew are fungi that are a common cause of discoloration, decay, and structural problems on decks. These fungi can also cause allergies, asthma, irritation to the nose, itchy eyes, and swelling.
To remove mold or mildew from a wood deck, you`ll need a soft-bristled brush and cleaning solution. A water-based soapy water blend or white vinegar diluted with water will work well to get rid of the problem.
A solution with oxygen bleach is recommended for more severe cases of mildew. This will help to remove any stains and kill any moldspores from your deck. Apply the cleaner to the affected area, and then scrub with a broom or a brush. Rinse with a garden hose after you`re done. You may need to repeat the process a few times. If the problem persists, you may need to replace some of your deck boards.
Scratches
Scratches are a natural part of outdoor decking materials, especially if you entertain outdoors a lot. From shoe scuffs to furniture dragging across the surface, there are a number of things that can cause scratches on composite decking.
Luckily, repairing scratches on composite decking is relatively simple and doesn`t require the expertise of a professional. These blemishes can be repaired, but it is important to be cautious.
You can use a heat gun to hold the heat gun 8-12 inches from the scratch. This will help blend the scratched and non-scratched areas together.
You can also use a wire brush to lightly scrape off scratches from the boards. Make sure you work in the direction of grain. This will make the composite slightly lighter, but will weather back to its original appearance in about 8 to 10 weeks.