Common Repairs Needed for a Deck

It’s time to get your decks ready for summer use. After winter’s snow and ice melt, you’ll be able to see what parts of your deck need repairing before using it again. Decks from Decks R Us are built with durability in mind, but Pennsylvania’s winter weather can still damage a deck. We recommend inspecting it in the spring and making the necessary repairs to enhance its longevity. Below, we’ve outlined some common repairs we’ve seen on decks over the years. 

Replace Damaged Deck Boards 

Inspect your deck boards every spring to see if any are damaged. Your deck’s surface can retain moisture damage, especially after winter, which will weaken the structure. Deck boards that are rotted, cracked, splintered, or warped can easily be replaced. Wood decking is more prone to moisture damage; we recommend replacing wooden deck boards with vinyl composite decking materials for increased durability. Resurfacing your deck will maintain its safety and appearance. We also recommend inspecting the ledger board to ensure the deck is still secured to the house. 

Replace Fasteners 

Temperature fluctuations in Pennsylvania’s weather can cause the wood in the deck to expand and contract, making metal fasteners pop out. Loose fasteners should be tightened, and rusted, corroded, or raised nails and screws need to be replaced. Replace damaged hardware with rust-resistant screws, and replace protruding nails with deck screws so they don’t pop up again. 

Tighten Railings

Stair railings are an important safety feature on a deck, and can be vulnerable to shifting and decaying over time. Prevent a safety hazard by ensuring the railing is securely tightened to the deck. We’ve found that your railing should be secure, flat, and straight to be safe to use. Stabilize the posts by adding long screws through the post into the framing, tightening the fasteners, or installing blocking between the joists to support them on all four sides. Secure loose railing components, and replace fasteners with stronger ones if needed. For more stability, add extra screws or metal brackets. 

Structural Issues

Particularly important if your deck is old, but you should inspect for structural issues, especially after Pennsylvania winters. Minor structural issues can be fixed, but if the substructure has too many problems, then we recommend rebuilding the deck. The substructures are made of wood, which is more prone to moisture damage. Check to see if the deck is sagging anywhere or has broken joists. You’ll likely need to replace beams, joists, or strengthen the foundation. 

General Cleaning 

Your deck should be cleaned regularly, at least once every few months. Mold, mildew, and algae can grow on your deck and deteriorate it over time, with wood decks being more susceptible. Sweep off any dirt and leaves you see, then clean the surface with water and a deck-safe cleaner. Powerwash on a low setting if needed. After cleaning a wood deck, restain it to add some life back into the structure. Cleaning, powerwashing, and sealing the deck can help fix small damages caused by water or mildew growth. 

Deck Rebuilds

If the deck boards have too much damage, it might be best to rebuild the deck entirely. Regularly maintaining and repairing your deck will extend its lifespan, but eventually they can get so old that the deck isn’t functional anymore. Deck rebuilds are perfect for when the structure is good, but it needs new floors, railings, steps, etc. We offer deck rebuild services to help extend your deck’s life and ensure it lasts for decades. When we rebuild your deck, we will also inspect the support beams, joists, etc., and replace any damaged ones. 

Build a Custom Deck with Decks R Us 

Knowing when to repair or rebuild your deck is key. If the deck has some general wear and tear and needs some simple cleaning and repairs, then you’ll be set with regular maintenance. If there is widespread damage or rot, that means the deck should be fully replaced. For any deck building and repair needs, Decks R Us has you covered. You can build a new deck or rebuild an old one with our team. Check out some of our deck inspiration to see what we can do for you. Get a free quote for your custom deck project with our deck cost calculator. If you’re ready to get started, contact us today.