how to repair a rotting deck

1. Removing Nails and Screws. When repairing a deck, you’ll need to remove nails or screws from the damaged boards. Use a pry bar, screwdriver or drill on the decking.
2. Inspect Joists and Remove Rotted Portions. Inspect the joists underneath for signs of rotted wood. Use a hammer and chisel to remove any rotted portions of joists.
3. Apply Sealer. Apply a thick coat of clear sealer to the damaged joist. Let it dry, and then apply a second coat of sealer.
4. Reinforce the Joist. When you consider how to repair a deck, it is important to treat all sides of the reinforcing joist.
Secure Reinforcing Joist. Attach the reinforcing joist to the ledger and header joist by toenailing with nails or screws.
Prepare Replacement Deck Board. Cut replacement deck boards from matching lumber using a circular saw. ...
Apply Wood Stain. In repairing a deck, you must use wood stain that is the same color as the rest of the deck. ...
Attach New Decking. Position the new decking and attach it to joists with galvanized deck screws or nails. Make sure the space between boards matches that of existing decking.

How to repair rot in a deck or balcony?

How to Repair Rot in a Deck or Balcony 1 Identifying Wood Rot in a Deck. Not all weakened wood in a deck is rotten. ... 2 Remove Rotten Wood Deck Boards. Spread out the tarp on the ground near the deck. ... 3 Cut Off Rotten Deck Posts. ... 4 Demolish Rotten Wood Deck Railing and Guards. ... 5 Dispose the Rotten Wood. ...

Is it safe to remove rotten wood from a deck?

But when wood rot is involved, it's often best to remove the rotten wood entirely and rebuild part or all of the deck. Since potentially dangerous fungus often accompanies wood rot, you should wear a NIOSH 95 respirator, not just a dust mask, when demolishing rotten wood deck materials.

How do you fix rotted deck boards?

Remove any rotted boards and replace them with new, pressure-treated ones. Apply a water-resistant coating over the entire deck, including the support pieces. Even out any spots that create water pooling. The secret to being able to successfully treat rot damage is catching it early.

Should you repair or replace rotten joists on a deck?

If you can keep the water away, you’ll protect from rot and gain many more years of use. If you’re handy, you can likely repair or replace rotten joists yourself. However, whether it’s a small or a large repair, you will likely need to remove decking to accurately assess the damage.

Can rotting decking be saved?

When it is caught early, it may be possible to repair the damage without having to replace your whole deck. Remove any rotted boards and replace them with new, pressure-treated ones. Apply a water-resistant coating over the entire deck, including the support pieces. Even out any spots that create water pooling.

How do you fix rotten wood without replacing it?

0:033:30How to Fix Rotted Wood with Epoxy | This Old House - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd uh the bottom of the mullion post was rotted so i cut out the rot i mixed up a two part epoxy.MoreAnd uh the bottom of the mullion post was rotted so i cut out the rot i mixed up a two part epoxy.

How do you cover a rotting deck?

Instead of ripping out or recoating your old deck boards, you place new wood or synthetic decking right over your old deck. Several companies make tiles out of composite or exotic woods like ipe that you just lay down and snap together. Plastic grids underneath the tiles allow for airflow, which helps prevent wood rot.

How do you fix a severely weathered deck?

0:502:16How to Restore Severely Weathered Wood with RESTORE - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou can apply restore with a pump sprayer roller or a brush. I'm using a pump sprayer here to coverMoreYou can apply restore with a pump sprayer roller or a brush. I'm using a pump sprayer here to cover more area quickly and it'll make my job a lot easier especially along the deck rail.

How do you fill a rotting wood deck?

1:033:43How to Repair a Hole From Wood Rot, Fixing a Damaged 2X Framing ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipI started with fiberglass resin mixing in the appropriate. Amount of hardener. I then added theMoreI started with fiberglass resin mixing in the appropriate. Amount of hardener. I then added the resin into the hole. Now the concept. Here is the thin liquid resin would work its way into any cracks.

What is the best filler for rotted wood?

Use a polyester filler to rebuild rotted or damaged wood. You can mold and shape it to match the original wood profile. It takes paint well and won't rot.

Can rotted wood be repaired?

Can Rotten Wood Be Repaired? Rotting wood can be repaired by first removing any rot from the original board or beam of wood. Once that has been done, you can fill the area with a wood-patch or polyester filler. This material will fill the area and harden to provide strength and durability.

Can you lay new decking over old decking?

In short, yes you can. You are more than capable of placing composite deck boards over existing wooden ones in order to save time and money from building an entirely new frame.

Can you just replace deck boards?

Whether you have one bad deck board to replace or many, the process is the same. We'll show you how on an old, weathered deck, because you can save hundreds of dollars in lumber by splicing in boards instead of replacing the entire decking.

What is the best wood filler for decks?

Best Exterior Wood Filler for DecksBest wood filler for outdoor use – Bondo All-Purpose Putty.Best Stainable Wood Filler– Elmer's E892.Best exterior epoxy wood filler – Abatron Wood Epoxy 2 kit.Best Wood Putty for Decks– Minwax 13617000.Best wood filler for pressure treated deck– Pc Products- 163337.More items...•

How do you revive an old weathered deck?

Before You Begin…STEP 1: Inspect the deck and repair any damage.STEP 2: Remove any flaking, loose finish.STEP 3: Protect the surrounding area.STEP 4: Clean an unfinished deck or strip a previously finished deck.STEP 5: Sand the deck to prepare it for staining.STEP 6: Stain and seal the deck.

How much does it cost to restore a deck?

Deck Refinishing Cost On average, the cost to refinish a deck is between $3 and $6.80 per square foot. Since a standard deck measures about 200 square feet, a refinishing project will cost about $600 to $1,360 or $975 on average.

How do I remove rotten wood from a deck?

Spread out the tarp on the ground near the deck. While standing on the ground or on a ladder next to the deck, use a claw hammer or pry bar to remove rotten wood deck boards. Be sure to use safety glasses. Toss the boards onto the tarp. Pry off as many of the intact sections as possible.

Why are deck posts so hard to remove?

charlie nucci/Getty Images. Rotten wood deck posts are more difficult to remove than deck boards because they are significantly larger and typically are anchored to the ground in concrete. Cut the deck posts off in several sections to make them easier to handle.

Why are deck railings and guards dangerous?

Rotten wood deck railings and guards are especially dangerous because people using the deck depend on them for safety. Since most people using a deck assume that railings and guards are secure, they may lean against them with their full weight.

What respirator should I use for rotten wood?

Since potentially dangerous fungus often accompanies wood rot, you should wear a NIOSH 95 respirator, not just a dust mask, when demolishing rotten wood deck materials.

What happens when you push a screwdriver into wood?

Paint may be bubbly. When you push a screwdriver into the wood, it will push in easily and the wood will crumble. Fungus often accompanies both types of rot. The rotten interior will be highly porous and will fall apart by touch, often crumbling with a texture similar to dry bread or delaminating in strips or flakes.

Can a wood deck last forever?

But wood decks are not expected to last forever. Lashed by rain and wind and further weakened by sun exposure, wood decks can collapse due to rot and other structural imperfections, injuring close to 34,000 people annually.

Can deck wood be recycled?

Since deck wood is usually pressure-treated with chemicals, it cannot be recycled. Call a hauling company to have the deck materials taken to the nearest landfill. If you have a truck, you can dispose of the materials by yourself, usually during certain time periods.

How can I prevent dry rot on my deck?

How to Prevent Dry Rot on Decks. If your deck does have a run-in with dry rot, there are ways you can prevent it from coming back. First, locate the cause of the dry rot. This could be anything from a plumbing leak, gutter alignment, uneven boards that cause water pooling, a sprinkler system issue and more.

Why is my deck rotting?

Because the house framing is not treated , it is much more likely to rot. If your ledger board is infected with rot, you will likely need to replace the entire deck. You may also need to repair portions of the house wall. If a few joists or some decking is rotting, you may be able to remove and replace only the affected pieces.

How to tell if a deck is dry rot?

How to Identify Dry Rot on a Deck. Some older decks will begin to show signs of dry rot. The symptoms include spongy and discolored wood that may flake off and fall apart when wet. You can use a screwdriver to test the wood for soft spots. You can also tell if deck wood is rotten by checking for these dry rot signs:

How do I know if my deck is rotting?

Some older decks will begin to show signs of dry rot. The symptoms include spongy and discolored wood that may flake off and fall apart when wet. You can use a screwdriver to test the wood for soft spots. You can also tell if deck wood is rotten by checking for these dry rot signs: 1 Probe around posts that contact the ground for soft spots as these areas are typically more exposed to moisture. 2 Search for long sheets of greyish mold or darker looking wood as these are common dry rot indicators. 3 If you notice areas of pest damage, those spots could be a combination of insect damage and dry rot since dry rot attracts termites and other wood-eating pests. 4 Inspect the surrounding area of dry rot for a source or cause – plumbing leaks, gutter failure, sprinkler system issue, and any and all other water pooling possibilities. 5 Not sure if it’s dry rot? When in doubt, call a professional to come inspect your deck and give you an estimate for repair.

Why is composite decking not rot?

Simply because composite decking does not rot. Composite decking is made from moisture- and insect-resistant materials that are stronger and more durable than wood, and require minimal upkeep. For example, a deck constructed with composite material never needs to be painted or stained.

What wood is rot resistant?

Rot-Resistant Woods And Composite Decking. Another way to prevent your deck from rotting is to build it with redwood, mahogany, cypress or cedar, each of which are among the most rot-resistant species of natural wood. Nonetheless, a wood deck, by its very nature, will always be susceptible to moisture and rot.

How often should I inspect my deck?

And, having your deck professionally inspected every two years will help ensure you are aware of and know how to remedy any source of moisture that may develop, before it has a chance to do serious harm to your deck.

Why does pressure treated wood rot?

Some types of wood last longer, and pressure-treated wood holds off rot longer, but rot tends to slowly creep up on you. Some of the most common reasons include: Untreated wood – If you started with untreated wood, it is more susceptible to the ravages of weather.

What happens when you put debris between boards?

Debris gathering between boards – Leaves and other debris can become trapped between boards. As this debris rots over time, the fungus and bacteria grow and start to eat away at the wood. Standing water – If your deck is slightly slanted, water can pool in one spot.

Why does wood expand when it gets cold?

Wood expands when it gets cold. When the weather warms up, it goes back to its original size. Over time, this cycle causes cracks in any coatings and weakens the basic structure of the wood. Melted snow enters the cracked coating and when the wood returns to normal size, the moisture becomes trapped and rot begins.

Can you repair rot on a deck?

It is much easier to prevent rot than it is to repair the damage once rot has set in. When it is caught early, it may be possible to repair the damage without having to replace your whole deck. Remove any rotted boards and replace them with new, pressure-treated ones.

Is a wood deck indestructible?

It is not indestructible, however, and you may find your beautiful wood deck is beginning to succumb to rot. It is time to take care of the problem before you find yourself with a major problem, like a broken leg if your step creates a hole or the entire structure collapsing during a storm. Why Wood Decks Rot.

Is wood a good deck material?

Wood is one of the most common deck building materials. The variety of woods available are so numerous that there is a look to satisfy nearly everyone. Wood is also strong and lasts longer than many other materials. It is not indestructible, however, and you may find your beautiful wood deck is beginning to succumb to rot.

Why do wood joists get wet?

Wood joists stay wet when a deck drainage system is installed below the joists. Under-deck drainage systems that are mounted below the joists cause damage in three ways: First, they allow the wood to get wet over and over again as rain drips through the deck boards, over the joists and into the drainage system below.

Can you use wood putty on rotten wood?

For small repairs , you may be able to use wood putty and a reinforcing joist. With this method, you’ll chisel out the rotten wood and reinforce what’s left and securely attach new wood. However, if joists need to be replaced, you’ll have a bigger commitment of time and skill.

Why does a wood deck post rot?

If you have a wood deck post that is sunk below grade, poorly draining soil such as clay will trap water between the post and soil , which will eventually spell rot – and lots of it. Even a wood deck post on a concrete footing can rot if it is close enough to the ground.

What is a deck post?

A deck post is one of the most important pieces of a deck’s infrastructure – if not the most important. Each post supports a particular load area of the deck – if one fails, that load is transferred to other posts, which may or may not be designed to hold that extra load. When this occurs, decks can collapse and cause injury or worse.

What is the best size treated lumber for ground contact?

While .15 treated wood is rated for ground contact, you could try a local lumberyard that may stock lumber in deck post size that is up to .40 or even .60 in terms of treatment retention levels.

Can you cut a post off at the base?

Ideally, you can cut the post off at the base, making a clean cut with a reciprocating saw or multi tool. If not, you’ll need to remove the post in sections if you still want to repair the post.

Can you repair a deck post buried in concrete?

Deck posts buried in concrete are especially susceptible to rot, and it isn’t a good idea to repair these as you’ll never be able to get the entire post removed from the concrete. The concrete itself is full of moisture – placing wood, treated or not, within the concrete will result in premature rot.