How to Repair a Deck
By Dave KileAt some point in your deck’s lifespan, it will need repairs. I have had to repair many decks in my day. It’s usually inevitable. It could be just a few boards replaced or more intricate, like installing joist supports. Whether a fix is small or if there are other issues that might be more involved, we’ll assess the nature of the repair.
A board or hardware fix could take an hour or two, whereas other repairs may take longer. Structural repairs could take several days to over a week. Before we delve into fixing a deck, let’s size up the project and the amount of time and expertise that is required.
Should You Repair or Replace Your Deck?
Now, that’s a question we all have faced or will face at one time or another. You should start by asking yourself a few questions regarding your deck. Do a fair and honest assessment of your deck when answering these questions.
- What is the general condition of your deck? Is it in reasonably good shape structurally, and a repair will go towards making it stronger and/or complete again?
- How old is your deck? Typically wood decks last about 15 years if cared for properly, while composite material can last much longer.
- Lastly, assess the damage. What repairs are needed? Will the repair come close to – or exceed the cost of your deck?
Figuring out these solutions is crucial to your repair process. If several expensive repairs need to be done, it may be better to rebuild your deck.
Step-by-Step Deck Repair Process
So, now that you have thoroughly checked out what repairs are needed and you know the basics of what you need to do, I’ll go through some of the general points of the repair process.
Assess the Damage
Perform a full inspection of your deck. Check for loose boards, corroded hardware, wobbly railings, mold or mildew, rotted-out boards and beams, water damage on the substructure, and finally, don’t forget to be on the lookout for pests. If you see any wasp nests or termites, then deal with that accordingly.
Besides the surface of your deck, the substructure, comprised of the footings and legs, as well as joists and beams, will also need to be checked. The ledger board, which attaches the deck to the house, will need to be examined.
Gather Tools and Materials
Prepare the tools you will need to make the necessary fixes on your deck. More than likely you will need a hammer, a screwdriver, a pry bar, deck fasteners, and potentially sealant. A circular saw is also wise to have on hand. Furthermore, a shovel and a sander can come in quite handy. You probably have many of these tools, although you may need a few more if you plan to do extensive repairs on your deck.
Replace Damaged Deck Boards
First and foremost, have a look at your deck’s surface. Any boards that are loose or are starting to stick upward you want to pay attention to. Look for dark spots as well since that could indicate potential wood rot. Check to make sure there are no large gaps between boards.
Pry out any loose boards. If the plank is salvageable, you could turn it over and fasten it that way, but sometimes, replacing the wood board is best. Additionally, now is an opportune time to replace your nails with deck screws.
Strengthen the Deck’s Structural Integrity
Beauty and strength are more than just what’s on the surface. Check your deck’s substructure to see if any repairs are necessary. Make sure your beams and joists are in top shape and there is no mildew. Mildew leads to rot. Trex Protect joist tape is a wise choice to apply to protect this area from water damage.
Repair Railings and Steps
Next, move on to your railings and steps. Are the steps (including risers, stringers, and treads) in good repair? Are your railings wobbly? Are they missing any rungs? If so, tightening up any loose parts, replacing balusters or rungs, and addressing other issues are key. This is an area where somebody could easily trip and fall.
Address Surface-Level Problems
As mentioned earlier, examine your deck’s surface. A preventative measure is keeping this area clean, searching for mold, taking care of any stains, and winterizing your deck. Fill up cracks with wood filler. Quickly addressing split wood helps ensure your deck doesn’t weaken. Safeguarding the surface so it’s in excellent shape will go far in having it last a long time.
Apply Stain or Sealant
To protect your deck boards, apply a wood stain or sealant to shield your deck against harsh temperatures. You can also find a sealant with UV protection, so if you live in a sunny climate, your deck has another layer of protection against direct sunlight. When you waterproof your deck, you give it a barrier against moisture. This will stave off any rot issues arising from water damage.
Composite decking material, such as Trex, must not be painted, stained, or sealed. Composite decking is a beautiful, sustainable, and durable alternative to wood decking. You might find it easier to maintain a composite deck since all you have to do is keep the surface clean and ensure the deck’s substructure is in good repair.
Preventative Maintenance Tips
As always, I recommend regular inspections of your deck. Try to check it at least once a year. I highly encourage semi-annual inspections: one when the weather turns warmer and another before it turns cold. This way, there are no uh-ohs or hurried fixes to get your deck ready for the new season.
Scrambling to do a quick fix might work in the short term, but it can lead to more significant safety issues. Regular maintenance on your deck is a significant factor in keeping your deck in top form. You want your family, friends, and guests to always be safe on your deck.
Deck Repair Costs
Depending on what needs attention, deck repairs can be anywhere from around $800 to over $3000. Boards, fasteners, and similar items do not cost much, but repairs involving structural parts like beams and joists are more time-consuming and labor-intensive. If something is wrong with the deck’s support system, you may be looking at the higher financial end of the repair spectrum. Also, a repair made in the winter might be more costly than in the summer.
When to Call a Professional
So, how do you determine when it’s time to call the pros? If the repair requires obtaining a permit, then it’s time to call a contractor. Also, a deck-building professional should evaluate the deck for safety. Although DIY can be less expensive, you’ll avoid problems if a contractor assesses what needs to be done. It’s better to be prepared and not put your family’s safety at risk when it comes to making deck repairs.
Sources:
https://trexrainescape.com/resources/cost-of-deck-installation-how-much-does-it-actually-cost/
https://trexseal.com/blog/what-is-a-ledger-board-all-you-need-to-know/
https://trexrainescape.com/resources/parts-of-a-deck-exploring-its-anatomy/
https://trexrainescape.com/resources/how-much-does-it-cost-to-waterproof-a-deck/
https://trexprotect.com/blog/how-to-clean-your-deck-the-right-way/
https://trexrainescape.com/resources/best-tips-for-better-deck-safety-2/
