If you have a deck, then you would know what a deck rot is. With the different weather that your deck has to go through, it does rot over time. In this article, we will give ideas on how to prevent and fix it. Yes , there is a way.
Deck rot is a type of wood decay that can occur when moisture is present, and the wood is not adequately protected. It can compromise the structural integrity of your deck and even make it unsafe to use as time goes by.
We will discuss everything you need to know about deck rot: its definition, causes, signs, and how to prevent and fix it. So let’s jump right in and learn how to protect your deck from the damaging effects of deck rot.
Causes of Deck Rot
Whether you are living in a place where you get rain or snow, one thing is common, your deck get its moisture. This is the number one reason of deck rot because moisture seeps into the wood and causes it to decay. Here’s how moisture can infiltrate your deck and cause it to decay.
Wet Weather
Like I mentioned, depending on where you live, your deck can get moisture in one of these ways : rain and snow, humidity and ground contact.
Rain and snow are two of the most common sources of moisture than can cause deck rot. Water can accumulate on your deck surface and seep into the wood and leading into your deck decay. Aside from rain and snow, high humidity levels can cause wood to absorb moisture. Another common cause of deck rot is ground contact. If your deck post or beams are in direct contact with the ground, they can absorb moisture and become susceptible to rot and decay.
Lack of Maintenance
As much as we would like to, decks cannot be left as is once its built. Regular maintenance is required such as sealing your deck with a water-resistant sealant. Regular cleaning is also a must to keep dirt and debris that can trap in moisture. Not sure or don’t have time to properly maintain your deck? Consult a professional in your local area or better yet, refer to guidelines and see what works best for you.
Insect Infestation
Last but not the least, insect infestation. This is another factor that can contribute to deck decay. Certain types of insect that causes deck rot is termites and carpenter’s ant. Small as they are, they can eat away your deck and cause big structural damage.
Fixing Deck Rot
If you’ve discovered that your deck is experiencing rot, addressing the issues as soon as possible is very important to prevent from further damage. Below are five steps you should take if you see any sign of decay:
Assessing the Damage
Assess the extent of the damage gives you an idea of what needs to be done to fix it. Determine which boards and structural components are affected by rot and severity of the rot. If the damage is minor, you may be able to repair the affected areas without replacing the entire deck. However, if the damage is widely spread out, you may need to replace large portion of the deck, if not all.
Replacing Decayed Boards
If your deck boards are rotting, you will need to remove them and replace them with new ones. You can use a circular saw to cut the rotted boards and remove them from the deck. Once the damaged boards have been removed, measure the space and cut the replacement boards to its size. Use screws to new boards in place.
Reinforcing Structural Components
If the rot has affected the structural components of your deck such as the joints or beams, you will need to reinforce these areas. This may involved adding in new joints alongside the existing ones or adding new beams to support the weight of the deck.
Sealing and Staining
Once the structural area have been repaired or replaced, it’s important to seal and stain your deck to prevent future damage. Apply a water-resistant sealant to the entire deck including the newly repaired areas. This will help prevent areas from penetrating the wood and causing further rot.
Bottomline
Deck decay is a common problem that can occur as a result of various factors such as moisture, lack of maintenance, and insect infestation. It’s important to identify the signs of deck rot early on and take necessary measures to prevent further damage. With proper maintenance and care, you can assure that you will enjoy your deck for many years to come.
And remember, we are just a call away at Decks and Shelves for professional and reliable deck repair, update or renovation.