Outdoor wooden decks can become worn and damaged over time. Improper care of an outdoor deck can cause it to rot, crack or splinter and become unsafe for use. By knowing repair your deck you can make your outdoor space a fun and usable oasis for summertime barbecues and outdoor gatherings. A few simple steps will help you on your way to deck repair. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Sweep the deck. Make sure the deck is free from debris and dirt.
2. Use a screwdriver to check wood slats and beams for dry rot. Dry rot is caused by fungus and moisture. The wood will become soft. Use a screwdriver to carefully test the hardness of the wood. If the wood is very soft, it probably has dry rot and will need to be replaced.
3. Remove screws or nails from boards with dry rot. Carefully move the board, trying to avoid it touching and infecting any other boards on the deck. A pry bar may be needed to remove infected boards.
4. Sink in or replace popped up nails. While it is possible to just sink in any old nails that have popped, it is better to replace them. Nails that are longer than the current nail will have a better chance of staying in the boards without popping.
5. Inspect the deck for any other problems. If there are water drainage issues, these will need to be addressed. All posts, beams and boards should be securely fixed in place.
6. Use a deck cleaner to clean the deck. Deck cleaners can be purchased at a local hardware store. It is important to follow the manufacturer directions for the cleaner.
7. Check for rough areas on the deck. Use a small piece of sandpaper to sand down any rough areas. Railings should also be inspected for signs of wood splinters or cracks.
8. Apply a deck stain and/or sealer. This will help to seal the deck from future moisture and UV radiation discoloration. Manufacturer directions will need to be followed for both stains and sealers.
Tags: will need, rough areas, will help, your deck
