Like other aspects of home maintenance, timely deck repair prevents more difficult and expensive repairs in the future. Staining or painting the deck, for example, helps protect wood from sun and rain damage.
Many homeowners can easily handle small deck repairs as part of their regular home maintenance. However, structural or safety-related repairs may require a professional. Contact Mount Joy Company LLC for professional help.
Loose deck railings make a deck unsafe, but this problem can be quickly fixed with a few simple DIY steps. Loose porch railings are typically caused by the connections between the rail and posts, or the connection to the deck frame itself. Performing regular inspections and maintenance can prevent loosening over time.
Weather can wreak havoc on a deck and its railings. Prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause wood to warp and rot, while humidity and moisture can weaken fasteners and connections. Wind can also cause constant movement, stressing railings and loosing connections. In addition, moisture and dirt can create rust on metal hardware and splinter wood.
To identify the source of a loose railing, start by inspecting the hardware connecting the railings to the posts. Loose bolts or screws are often the culprit, and can easily be tightened with a drill or ratchet. If the hardware is rusted or worn, consider replacing it with resilient hardware that can withstand the elements. Select stainless steel, galvanized, or coated hardware to protect against moisture and corrosive chemicals.
Next, examine the connections between the posts and the deck frame to see if they are loose. If a railing feels wobbly when pressure is applied, it likely means the connection to the deck frame has loosened. Posts should be securely fastened to the deck joists and beams with strong lag bolts or screws and surrounded by sturdy blocking. If necessary, add additional blocks in a zig-zag pattern to help strengthen the rim joist and prevent loosening over time.
If the railing is still loose, it may be necessary to replace the wood rail itself. If the railing is rotting or showing signs of significant damage, replacing it with a new wood rail will prevent further damage and potentially dangerous falls.
Finally, look for other potential sources of a loose railing. Check for rodent nests in vent openings or other signs of pest activity. In addition, make sure exterior outlets and faucets are in good condition and caulked tightly to prevent leaks. If you notice any of these issues, it’s important to address them as soon as possible to ensure your deck is safe for your family and guests to enjoy.
Damaged Boards
When a board is damaged, it’s important to repair it as soon as possible. This will help prevent the problem from spreading and causing further damage to the deck.
Whether the damaged area is from a splinter or an impact, you’ll want to fix it as soon as possible. First, make sure the damaged piece of decking is completely dry. If it is, you can sand it down and then stain the area to match the rest of the deck. If the board is still wet, you can try to speed up the drying process by using dehumidifiers and fans. This may take a few hours to days, depending on the severity of the water damage.
Once the decking is dry, you can apply wood filler to the damage. Choosing a filler that matches the color of your deck will ensure a seamless repair. Be sure to follow the instructions on the packaging to ensure you’re applying it properly and letting it dry. If you’re using a polyester filler, it’s a good idea to use a plastic form to hold the filler in place as it tends to sag when it is applied vertically.
If you notice any loose or rusty fasteners, tighten them and hammer in any protruding ones. If there are several areas of rust or loose fasteners, this may indicate widespread damage to the deck’s substructure and would require a full replacement.
Deck repairs can be time-consuming and costly, but keeping your deck in good condition will minimize these costs and prolong its life. Performing regular maintenance tasks such as cleaning and sealing will keep moisture away from the boards, which will prevent them from becoming rotten or moldy. Additionally, by moving outdoor furniture, rugs, and planters around regularly, you’ll prevent the buildup of moisture underneath them.
It’s also a good idea to hose down your deck and wash it with a pressure washer once or twice per year. This will remove dirt and debris, as well as any mildew or moss that can be found growing on the surface of your deck.
Water Leaks
Water leaks from the deck are a common problem and one that almost everyone has experienced at some point. Wet beds, mildew in the upholstery, stains on headliners and wallboards — it all adds up. And if the leaks are persistent, it’s time to take action.
The first thing you should do is thoroughly inspect your deck. Clear away furniture and debris, and look for pooling water, weathered flashing and peeling caulking to help you identify the source of the problem. Also, walk around and feel for soft spots — that’s another indication of a compromised membrane.
When looking for a water leak, it’s important to test the entire deck, not just one specific area. That’s because water will always drain downward, soaking anything in its path. So, if you find a wet spot on the ceiling, it may not be from your deck. The more you test, the easier it will be to pinpoint the leak’s source.
Another common place to find a leak is around the stanchion bases. For some reason, the boat building industry has never seen fit to make stanchion base widths wide enough to resist the leverage of the 36″ stainless steel pipe that runs through them. If the coring around those points is rotted, nothing short of rebolting and adding aluminum doubler plates to the underside will stop the leaks.
Window frames are another common point of leaks. They’re usually mounted through the core and screwed into the deck, so it’s hard to get inside without ripping the frame off. However, that doesn’t mean they can’t be fixed if the core is still in good condition.
Whether you’re working with a fiberglass or teak deck, the key is to thoroughly prepare the surface before applying any type of sealant. This means scraping, sanding and using solvents (including silicone removers) to clean off any existing sealant that’s been used. Once the deck is prepared, you’re ready to apply a new sealant that’s durable and water-resistant. This will help prevent future leaks and keep your deck in top shape.
Damaged Flashing
While your deck is a wonderful outdoor space for relaxing and entertaining, even the sturdiest and most well-built structures need upkeep. The best way to minimize the costs of repair is to catch problems early. However, if you do end up needing to make repairs, it’s essential that you have the best possible contractor working on your deck.
One of the most common issues that homeowners run into is damaged roof flashing. While this may seem like a minor concern, if not addressed quickly it can lead to extensive damage and structural instability. In addition, water that seeps through damaged roof flashing can also cause rotting wood, mold growth, and staining on the ceilings and walls.
If you’re unsure whether or not your roof flashing is damaged, check for the following signs:
Cracks and gaps where it should be sealed tightly. Rust and corrosion: This is especially common with older metal flashing. Bends, dents or creases: These may seem minor but they can break the galvanized coating on steel or weaken the structure of other types of metal. Internal leaks: These can occur around windows, fireplaces, skylights and other points where the flashing makes contact with the roof slope.
In order to fix a roof flashing problem, you’ll need to remove the existing caulking and apply new roofing cement or caulk. You should also replace any deteriorating flashing sections.
A good quality flashing kit typically includes all the tools you’ll need to complete this project, but you can also find a variety of different types of flashing materials at your local hardware store. For the most difficult flashing repair jobs, you’ll need to remove the shingles and roof covering in order to access the damaged area.
The cost of repairing a deck can vary greatly depending on the size and scope of the work, as well as the type of material that was used to build the deck. Minor repairs, such as nail replacement, are usually the cheapest, while replacing a rotted board or dealing with a massive termite infestation can easily cost several thousand dollars.