The deck is an extension of your outdoor living area and during those warm, soothing days, it’s always a great place to hang out with your family or friends. However, since decks are outdoors, they tend to get exposed to tough weather conditions and they end getting damaged and deteriorate over time.
The great news is that regular maintenance can go a long way in keeping your deck in a good condition. Besides, a majority of deck problems like replacing deck boards don’t require complex or costly solutions.
With just a few minutes of your time, you can fix them right away. Keep reading to find out which are the five most common deck problems that you may encounter and we will show you how to fix them!
“Quality is not an act, it is a habit. – Aristotle
Water Damage
Decks are usually made from wood and we all know the material is not the strongest one against water.
When a deck is constructed for the first time, the wood will be sealed to prevent any water damage. But sealing needs to be done regularly to work and sadly, most homeowners do not re-seal their deck and railing.
This exposes the wood to tough weather, including moisture, leading to significant damage. The great thing is that, if you can catch this early, you may be able to prevent long term damage to the wood.
Do a test:
There is a simple test you can do to see if you need to reseal the deck. Just pour some water on the surface and see if it seeps in. If it does, it means the sealer has worn off and needs to be reapplied.
Fading Deck Color
Wood may also start to lose its beautiful natural stain or color as it ages. The deterioration is mostly caused by extreme weather or the accumulation of dust and other debris, and the last thing you want is a deck that looks old and dated.
There are two solutions to fading wood.
- The first one, and perhaps the easiest option, is to clean up the wood. In most cases, discoloration in wood may simply be a result of dirt. There are specialized wood cleaners available in the market that can go a long way in restoring the natural look of your deck.
- Secondly, you may also use a wood brightening product, especially if the discoloration is caused by tough weather or just the natural deterioration of the wood. There are several wood brightening products that can be used in wood deck repair.
However, even as you explore these two solutions, make sure that you seal off the wood immediately after. The process protects the wood from tough weather elements, and it also helps by prolonging its life significantly.
Rot
Wood rotting is probably the worst problem for any deck. It is not only terrible to look at but also dangerous, as it may significantly affect the structural integrity of your deck.
The main cause of wood rot is water. In fact, one of the clearest signs of water damage in your deck would be an increasing prevalence of rot. Resealing may help address minor rots.
However, if the problem is too prevalent, you may need to replace some wooden panels and then reseal the entire deck.
Make sure you also inspect the structural integrity of your deck, especially in cases where the rotting has taken over.
Gaps Between Boards
Gaps between boards are often caused by rotting and poor deck maintenance. If you notice that some boards are getting loose, revealing gaps in between, it may be time to act. Pay attention to the nails as well and ensure they are not loose.
Gaps between the boards can be dealt with using a simple wood filling product. Epoxy filler, in particular, can be very effective here. Just follow all the instructions on the label while using these fillers in order to get the best results.
Structural Damage
Although decks may seem like simple structures, they require a lot of expertise to install. Sadly, these installations are often done with relatively inexperienced DIYers, resulting in a badly installed deck.
If your deck flooring feels wobbly every time you walk on it or appears bent from one side to the other, it may be a sign that its structural standing has been compromised.
In most cases, it takes a very keen inspection and even an expert to determine subtle signs of structural damage. In that case, if you are not sure how to inspect it, contact a local deck repair company to be on the safe side.
Deck problems are very common and they may be caused by a variety of things. But if you can catch and fix them as soon as possible, then you will save yourself lots of money in costly repairs.
Need some advice on porch or deck repair? Request a free quote from a local expert!
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