Common deck repair issues include rotting wood, warping and Termites. These problems can be avoided by solving drainage issues and ensuring proper ventilation. To determine if a board is rotting, check for pools of water. Rotted boards should be replaced. You can also try to prevent rot by regularly inspecting the deck.

Cost of deck repair

There are many factors to consider when determining the cost from a  deck builder Richmond Hill company. While minor repairs can be performed by the homeowner, major deck repairs may require permits. These might include adding an outdoor kitchen, raising the deck, or installing utilities. Additionally, you may need to have materials delivered to your home, and delivery fees can add up to $50. Some companies will include these costs in their total price, while others will charge you separately.

Depending on the size and type of the damage, sagging decks can cost anywhere from $500 to $15,000 for repair. Repairing a sagging deck usually involves jacking it up and bracing it. However, some problems may require more extensive repairs, such as replacing the joists or posts. If the sagging is caused by a foundation problem, you may also need new concrete footings.

Wood rot

Wood rot can affect the structural strength of your deck and should be repaired as soon as possible. Some types of wood rot can be repaired locally, but other types can affect larger areas. Dry and wet rot are examples of the latter. While a wooden deck may look unharmed from the outside, it can quickly become infested with fungus and weakened wood. You should regularly check your deck for signs of wood rot.

Dry rot is caused by fungus that eats the cellulose in the wood. The resulting rot makes the wood weak and brittle. The symptoms include discoloration, sponginess, and breaking apart when it is wet. The main cause is moisture, but insects can also be the culprit. Moisture can cause dry rot, so you should clean the deck frequently and seal the wood to prevent moisture from penetrating into the wood.

Termites

If your deck has been infested by termites, you may need to have the wood replaced or repaired. While you can treat the infestation with pesticides, the most effective solution is to hire a professional. They will provide a range of services, including baits, insecticides, and direct chemical application. Termite control is not something that you should attempt yourself, due to the dangers associated with the chemicals. Getting a professional inspection will give you a clear idea of how much work will be required. If the termites have eaten a large portion of the wood, you may have to replace it or add support boards.

Termites eat almost any type of cellulose, which means that your deck is at risk. While solid wood is less susceptible to damage, other materials made of wood such as pressboard, drywall, and cabinets can also be affected. Instead of spending money on replacing the deck, focus on repairing the load-bearing supports of your deck. Usually, contractors can repair wood that has been compromised by termites.

Wood rot causes warping

Warping can be a common problem for decks as said by most deck builder Brampton companies. It happens when the wood fibers absorb moisture and shrink or expand, and it can happen to new and old decks. If the warped boards appear on a new deck, then the lumber used in the construction is likely the problem. A straight board with a tight grain is less likely to warp.

Warped boards can be dangerous to the deck because the nails and screws that hold them down are prone to coming loose. They can also damage the support truss underneath. Additionally, nail holes provide an inlet for moisture, which can cause wood to swell and rot. Warped boards can be easily repaired by replacing them with new, treated wood. Wood treated for rot is more resistant to the elements and fungal decay.

Removing and filling voids with wood filler

Wood filler can help you fill in voids, holes, and other problems on a deck. It blends in with the surrounding material and can be covered with paint or a veneer. It comes in a variety of colors and consistencies, and you should choose the type that best matches the repair you are trying to perform.

Before you use wood filler, you should decide what type of voids you want to fill. There are fillers that are thinner like pancake batter, and those that are thicker like wood putty. Thick fillers work best to fill larger gaps and cracks. They also work well to fill in nail holes and pores in open-grain wood.