Decks are great spaces for family gatherings and fun, but they need to be maintained to avoid structural damage and safety risks. Luckily, there are ways to fix up your deck for less than you might think.
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Whether you have an old wood deck or a new composite deck, structural damage and deterioration must be addressed promptly. This can be caused by loose or weakened connections, rotted boards, and insect infestation. It’s essential to hire a professional to assess the situation and perform proper repairs, as leaving these problems unchecked could result in serious injuries for you and your guests and even deck collapse.
Stairs are often the first part of a deck to show signs of wear and tear. The stairs themselves may start to loosen or shift, and you might see gaps in the handrails or notice that they’re sagging. The wood may also be splintering or showing signs of general deterioration. In some cases, the stairs might need to be replaced entirely, depending on the severity of the problem.
A deck is a great place to relax and entertain, but it’s important to keep it in good condition for safety reasons. Decks can become unstable if there’s a lot of wear and tear or if certain components like the railings are deteriorating. It’s also a fire hazard to have loose or hanging parts of the structure, so it’s vital to inspect them regularly for any signs of wear and tear.
Another common issue that affects decks is termite infestation. These insects feed on the cellulose in wood, causing severe structural damage over time. If left unchecked, this can cause a deck to be unsafe for people to use and reduce its overall value. This is why it’s important to perform regular inspections and take preventive measures, such as using wood preservatives or removing any form of vegetation from the area around the deck.
Another issue that can affect a deck’s structure is soil erosion. If the footings and support posts of a deck are placed in damp soil, it can lead to rotting and eventually total destruction. This is why it’s important to properly drain the area surrounding your deck and to redirect rainwater away from the deck. It’s also a good idea to use gravel, rocks, and sand at the base of your footings and supports to minimize moisture.
Wood Rot
Wood rot is one of the biggest threats to decks. It weakens the structure and can cause irreparable damage if left untreated. This can lead to structural problems that may not only be unsafe but also unsightly. If the damage to your deck has reached a point where it is no longer structurally sound, you will need to consider replacing it altogether.
Both wet and dry rot can effect the wood in a deck’s foundation, posts, railings, and other parts of your deck. You can check for rot by inspecting your deck with a flashlight and a long-handled screwdriver. If the screwdriver sinks in easily, the wood is rotten. You can also look for a musty smell and darkened or discolored wood.
Wet rot is caused by the most common type of fungus, cellar fungus (Coniophora puteana). The fungus grows best in moist, oxygen-poor wood with temperatures between 4degC and 38degC. The presence of the fungus makes your deck prone to fungal digestion that depletes the wood’s strength.
Dry rot is less common, but it can still be a serious problem for your deck. This fungus attacks the wood by absorbing the moisture, causing it to shrink and eventually become soft. In order to prevent dry rot from spreading, it is important to keep your deck clean of debris and to remove any standing water immediately.
Oftentimes, only the affected boards must be replaced rather than the entire deck. Replacing these boards, especially those that are walked on or are structural, will restore the deck’s safety and strength. Repainting the deck can also improve its appearance and prolong its life.
To determine if your deck is at risk of rot, it’s helpful to hire an ASHI-certified home inspector or qualified deck builder to inspect the deck for safety and determine the extent of the rot. You can also assess the deck’s overall condition using this handout from the North American Deck and Railing Association, which includes a 10-point inspection checklist. If you find that the rot has spread beyond a few boards and is impacting joists and rafters, it’s likely time to replace the deck.
Staining
Staining your deck not only provides a pop of color that can brighten your home’s exterior, but it also protects the wood and extends its lifespan. In fact, staining your deck can save you from costly repairs down the road, preventing rot and decay, as well as UV damage.
Whether you prefer to use a transparent type that allows the natural wood grain to show or a solid color, it’s important to choose a high-quality product and follow proper application methods to keep your deck looking new. It’s also a good idea to stain your deck every 1-2 years, depending on your climate.
Before you apply a new stain:
- Make sure the surface is completely clean and dry. If you find any loose paint or finish, use a scraper tool to remove it.
- Use a sanding pole and coarse sandpaper to rough up the deck, including railings, balusters and handrails.
- Use a dust mask when sanding to prevent breathing in the fine wood shavings.
- After you sand, wash the deck again with a mild solution of wood wash and wait for it to fully dry.
You’ll want to stain the deck on a clear day with no rain in the forecast for the next 24 hours to avoid washing your hard work away! Humid weather can cause the stain to flash dry, preventing it from penetrating the wood and cutting down on its longevity. If you’re unsure whether it’s a good day for staining, test the water repellency of the deck by pouring a capful of water on different areas. The water should soak into the wood in less than a minute, and if it beads up, you’ll need to re-sand the area.
Staining your deck is a preventative measure that can save you money down the road. While you may think the cost of a few coats of stain is steep, it’s a fraction of the price of extensive deck repair or even replacement. And with regular cleaning and touch-ups, you can prolong the time between stain jobs, too! So, if your deck is in need of some TLC, don’t delay—contact a professional to get the job done right.
Painting
A deck requires regular painting to protect the wood from damage and rot. This also keeps the surface attractive and preserves its structural integrity for years to come. Paint is available in a wide variety of colors, and can match the aesthetic of the rest of your home or highlight certain features of your landscape. Paint is easy to clean, and it’s effective at keeping dirt and grime off of the wood. However, the paint itself can become damaged over time, and must be replaced periodically.
A good quality paint can last about ten years before needing to be redone. It’s a good idea to examine your deck for signs that the existing paint is beginning to wear, such as cracking or flaking. If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to repaint the deck as soon as possible to prevent further damage and extend its lifespan.
Paint can chip and peel over time, especially if the deck is subject to heavy foot traffic or exposure to high levels of moisture. In addition, it’s a good idea to move outdoor planters, furniture, and other items regularly to avoid trapping moisture that could lead to rot or insect infestation.
The best time to stain a deck is the fall. This is because the weather in Maryland and other parts of the Mid-Atlantic region is typically milder during the day than it is during the summer, and cool enough at night to allow for proper curing.
A professional can help you decide whether or not to stain your deck and assist with the preparation process. This includes sweeping away any dirt or debris, scrubbing the wood with deck-specific cleaner, and smoothing rough patches with sandpaper. Before attempting to apply any stain, it’s also a good idea to repair any rotten boards and ensure that all nails or screws are tight and in place.
Both painting and staining your deck is vital to its protection from the elements, but the type of product you choose depends on your preference for how your deck looks. Painting offers a wider range of color options and is easy to maintain, but it can chip or crack over time, and may require more maintenance than stain. Stain, on the other hand, can enhance the natural beauty of your deck while offering protection from sun damage and rot.