A deck is a serious investment that’s meant to last a long time. Maybe you just got your deck, and you’re looking for maintenance solutions, or maybe you’re starting to have trouble with it. Regardless, we’re here to help. Let’s discuss three different deck issues you may encounter and how to fix them. Read on below for more.
Wood Rot
Wood rot is a surprisingly common issue for most decks. You’ll know you have wood rot if you notice small pieces of wood falling off your deck, usually from the edges of your posts and boards. This is dangerous for obvious reasons. A deck with compromised support beams and planks can cause people to fall through or make your deck look less aesthetically pleasing. So, how do you best assess and mitigate this issue?
First, you’ll want to do an in-depth inspection of your deck. This includes posts, joists, boards, and even staircases. If you notice the wood is damaged or falling apart, check for gutters, fixtures, or sprinklers that could funnel water onto your deck. Wood rot is a key sign you should replace your deck, especially if it’s cedar. Suppose you find that the damage is widespread. Reseal the deck to ensure that you won’t have that problem in the future.
Fading Color
We all want our decks to look brand new. However, you may notice that your deck’s color gradually loses its luster after some years. This can happen because of foot traffic over the years, weather exposure, and natural aging. In other words, the reasons are out of your control. However, this is a simple fix. A wood cleaner can restore your deck’s original color. Alternatively, you can paint or stain it with a color of your choice. Either way, reseal the deck to prevent this problem in the future.
Protruding Nails
Don’t be alarmed if you see nails popping out of your deck. It’s a natural problem that occurs in older structures. Decks can last upward of 20 years, and it’s natural for the nails to start coming out. We advise you to first inspect your deck; remove any crooked nails you find, or hammer them back in. If you opt to pull them out, replace them with longer deck screws so that they can hold onto the wood better. As long as you follow these tips, you should be able to fix the various types of deck issues you may encounter.
