Deck Repair

Before starting any deck repair job, spray your deck down with water to get rid of any dirt or debris. The following details causes for deck repair, and provides general information on how to go about it.

Nail Pop

A nail pop is a nail that has loosened out of your deck's wood. Not only are nail pops ugly, they can be dangerous for bare feet. To repair a nail pop, hammer the nail back into the wood and then screw a deck screw into the wood. Make sure it is close enough to the nail that the deck screw covers the nail head when you are finished.

Cracked Boards

If you have cracked boards on your deck, you or family members are in danger of falling through them. You may choose to replace the bad boards, or if there are a lot of problems throughout your deck, redo your whole deck. If you decide to replace your deck, you still might be able to reuse some of the original boards if they are still in good condition.

Gaps

If you have gaps in your handrail or stair joints, you will want to repair them to prevent water from seeping in and rotting the wood. First, make sure the wood is completely dry before you start you repair project. Caulk the gap and then prime and paint, or apply a sealant to the wood.

Rot

Rot is very nasty and can spread. If you suspect that your wood is starting to rot, use a penknife to check if the wood is soft. You may have to replace the whole piece of wood for safety reasons. This is also essential for preventing the rot from spreading further.

Tips for Repairing Your Deck

To ensure purchase of the same type of wood, take a sample of the wood you are replacing with you when buying new boards. While the replacement wood will stand out from the rest of your deck, it should age nicely over time.

Do not forget to seal your new wood from water and other stains. Again, if it initially stands out from the other boards, it will eventually blend in with the rest of your deck.

Put safety first. Wear work gloves and safety glasses when repairing your deck. Use the appropriate tools and equipment. Watch where you are walking; you do not want to fall through a badly rotted deck.