Deck Maintenance and Repair Advice

Comments · 30 Views

A poorly maintained deck can become dangerous and ugly. Consider a "re-deck" if this sounds like your deck and you want to upgrade to a maintenance-free outdoor living environment.

A poorly maintained deck can become dangerous and ugly. Consider a "re-deck" if this sounds like your deck and you want to upgrade to a maintenance-free outdoor living environment. Although ripping up and replacing deck boards may appear to be a simple task, you may encounter difficulties. With these pointers, you'll avoid big problems and breathe new life into your deck.

Decking Demonstration

It's a pain to pull up deck boards. Demolition will be a little easier if your wooden decking was nailed on. Expect to back out the screws one by one if it's screwed on. Instead, pull up the boards and use a hammer to break any remaining screws in the joists at the base. This job will be made easier with a purpose-built pry bar like the Duckbill Deck Wrecker.

The Ledger Board Will Be Flashed

Over the ledger board that connects the deck to the house, install Z-flashing. Flashing may not be present on older decks, but now that the decking is removed, it's the ideal opportunity to install it. Underneath your home's weather-resistant barrier, tuck the Z-flashing. It shields the ledger board from water and directs it away from the home.

Replace any posts that have become rotted

Examine the bottoms of the deck's supporting pillars. It's time to replace them if they're rotting. It's also quite simple. Place temporary posts on both sides of the rotten post using hydraulic jacks. Make sure the jack is on solid, level ground before progressively jacking up the deck frame to the point where the post may be removed. To preserve a new deck post from decaying, place it on a post base.

Hanger Nails Are Missing

Examine the joist hangers as the deck planks are removed. They should be devoid of corrosion and brimming with nails. Hammer hanger nails into any holes that are lacking nails. 1-1/2-inch nails should be hammered into the ledger board, and 3-inch nails should be hammered into the joists at a 45-degree angle.

Joists should be protected from decay

Composite decking has a long lifespan. Apply joist tape to the tops of the joists before fixing the deck boards to ensure the deck's structure lasts. The tape will help keep water out and prevent rot by sealing around all of the deck screws.

Railings should be strengthened

A railing is required if your deck repair is taller than 30 inches. Building regulation demands railing to withstand a least 200 lbs. of force exerted anywhere, whether it's made of wood, composite, or aluminum. Because this is difficult to measure, it's preferable to make these rails thicker so they don't move.

Posts at the corners

With 5-in. structural screws, fasten the corner posts. Then, between the joists against the post, place two blocks and a 44-inch block cut to the same height as the joist behind it.

Railings that are attached to the ground

Secure a double-layer block flush to the top of the deck framing for surface-mounted railings. If the joists are perpendicular to the edge, place a block between them and secure them with 8-in. structural screws. The grain of the blocks should be parallel to the deck's edge.

Strengthen the joists

Here's how to fix a bouncy deck quickly: Place tight-fitting blocks between the joists and draw a chalk line down the center of the deck. Make it easy to screw them in by staggering them.

Inside-Out Approach

You should install the first row of decking away from the house. This will ensure that the deck boards that are most visible are full width and that any skinny boards are buried against the house.

Pin the Center

Temperature changes cause composite decking to expand and compress. Although decking manufacturers offer an installation step, it is frequently overlooked: Toe-screw each deck board into the joist in the middle. A board that grows by 1/4 inch will move by 1/8 inch in any direction. In comparison to 1/4-in. in one direction, this is far less obvious.

To avoid butt joints, run the boards for a long time

Deck boards can be up to 24 feet long. When possible, cut deck planks to span the entire deck to avoid butt joints. Instead of cutting the deck boards, leave them long and line them up individually as you lay them. See "Trim the Edges" for more information.

For a clean surface, hidden fasteners are used

The fasteners you choose will be determined by the brand of decking you purchase. Although screwing through the top is a possibility, the clean surface provided by hidden fasteners is well worth the extra cost. Plus, because hidden systems correctly space the deck boards, they usually install just as quickly.

Comments