Deck Repairs You Can Do On Your Own
If your deck's supports are starting to fail or if a large number of boards are starting to show signs of rot, you should probably call a deck repair company to come fix the issue. They have the equipment and expertise needed to restore your deck to a safe condition. But if the necessary repairs are more minor, you might be able to make them on your own. Here's a look at some basic deck repairs that most people can handle with basic tools and DIY skills.
1. Loose boards
If a couple of your deck boards are loose and start popping up when you walk across the deck, you can quickly fix this issue on your own. Simply take a few nails — 2-inch decking nails work well, although 1.5-inch nails will work in most cases, too. Place a nail or 2 on the end of the board where it lies over the support, and use your hammer to pound the nail into place. Try to use straight, up-and-down hammer strokes to drive the nail straight down, and keep pounding until the nail is flush with the deck board. Even if your deck was initially screwed together (as many are), nailing the boards back down is a secure enough fix to last a while.
2. Holes from carpenter bees.
Carpenter bees like to live in wood, such as deck boards and supports. But you don't need to call a professional if your deck has become home to a bee. Simply find the hole. (This is not hard. Just follow the bee; they go back to their holes quite often.) In the evening, when the bees are less active, plug the hole with some steel wool. Then, pack some wood putty into the hole. This will either trap the bee inside and kill it or keep the bee from coming back.
3. Small spots of rot.
If you catch deck rot early, it's not too tough to curtail on your own. Use a putty knife to chip away any wood that is overtly loose and rotten. Wait for a day when the wood is as dry as possible. Then, fill the areas you have chipped away with wood putty. Let it set and dry for a few days, then either paint the wood or cover it with a coat of sealer.
Major deck repairs do require professional attention, but the small repairs above can be handled by almost anyone. Good luck!
To learn more, contact a deck repair company.