All types of wood are subject to rot, with varying rates of decay. The exposure to natural elements inevitably leads to the degradation of wood, rendering it useless over time. Similarly, certain composite decks also experience a form of deterioration, although it may not be precisely classified as rot. While these decks are marketed as long-lasting structures, historical evidence indicates that the majority of them will eventually deteriorate. Although the decay process takes longer to occur in composite decks and presents different visible signs compared to real wood, it is inevitable and must be addressed.

The culprits are the sun and water. Water seeps into the wood and provides a splendid environment for the mold, mildew, and bacteria that consider wood to be better than Ho-Hos as a yummy snack. Even pressure-treated wood will eventually succumb. Treated lumber is not sealed against water; it is merely dosed with an unpleasant chemical soup that kills mold, mildew, and bacteria — for a time. The treatment is just skin deep, and it gradually loses its effectiveness over time, which is why you should expect only a 15-year lifespan from an unsealed treated pine deck. Sealed and maintained, however, and a 30-year lifespan is more common.

Unprotected wood undergoes fading and becomes gray due to various factors. Mold, mildew, and bacteria in the wood play a part in causing this discoloration, but the primary cause is ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. While visible light and long infrared waves also contribute to fading, their impact is insignificant compared to the short UV rays. These rays constitute only 2% of the sun’s total energy output, yet they are responsible for 98% of the damage inflicted.

Keeping Water Out

The task of preventing water from entering wood is the responsibility of sealants. When it comes to decks, instead of using surface coatings like paint, it is common to utilize a penetrating solution as a sealant. In previous times, these penetrating sealants would typically last for approximately one year if fortunate. Consequently, the deck would need to be sealed again each spring. Although not burdensome, this task can be frustrating and messy.

Today’s sealants have improved significantly. Nearly all paint manufacturers sell deck sealants that come with a guarantee of lasting for at least 5 to 10 years. Moreover, there are now multi-layered sealants available that are advertised as “lifetime” solutions, ensuring the longevity of a pine deck for up to 30 or even 40 years. Despite these advancements, these sealants are not overly expensive, and many can be applied by individuals with basic handyman skills. Once the sealant is correctly applied, there is no need for resealing in the foreseeable future. However, it is advisable to approach the “lifetime” claim with skepticism.

Blocking Ultraviolet

Modern sealants have effectively solved the issue of water, but the challenge of ultraviolet rays remains.

A reliable long-term anti-UV coating has not been developed by anyone yet, as most only remain effective for a short period. The damaging effects of ultraviolet radiation, often referred to as the solar death ray, result in the fading and graying of deck wood. At present, the progress in preventing UV from reaching the wood has not advanced to the same level as the water barrier function, which is equally important for sealing decks.

As a result, despite our confidence that lifetime sealants effectively shield decks from water infiltration over an extended period, we observe fading and graying occurring within 5 years. This poses a concern as the sole solution to address graying is by sanding off the previous sealant and discolored wood until new wood is exposed, subsequently applying a stain and resealing. Hence, the purpose of a lifetime sealant becomes questionable if it necessitates periodic removal for restaining.

We use 5-year coatings and reapply them before any graying appears to maintain the deck’s new appearance for an extended period of time. The exact duration is uncertain as none of us have lived long enough to see it. However, some decks constructed over 15 years ago still look relatively new after being resealed multiple times. We believe that if the new ACQ-treated pine is adequately resealed every 5 years, it can last a lifetime. Nonetheless, this is merely a suspicion as none of us have lived long enough to confirm it.

Composite decks require sealing, although composite manufacturers avoid referring to the products they use as “sealants” and market them as not needing sealing. However, while they do not explicitly recommend regular coating, most composite manufacturers suggest treating the deck annually or as needed with a “protective coating” to prevent stains, mold, and mildew without causing any harm.

Killing Mold and Mildew

By effectively sealing deck wood, water is prevented from entering, which hinders the growth of mold and mildew. However, it is important to note that these microorganisms are not completely eliminated, but rather controlled. Some recent coatings include an anti-microbial agent, with Microban® being the most well-known. This trademarked collection of anti-microbial products is now being incorporated into a wide range of items such as tile grout, pet beds, and computer mouse pads. These products contain active ingredients that are deemed harmless to humans and pets, while effectively combating mold, fungus, mildew, and other types of microorganisms.

Although none of the anti-microbial agents have an indefinite lifespan, they can be replenished whenever you seal your deck again. We believe that these agents are not essential in a high-quality sealant that effectively prevents water infiltration. However, they do not cause any harm, and it’s possible that they could even be beneficial by swiftly eliminating the occasional troublesome microorganism that manages to infiltrate despite all preventative measures.

Adding Color

The majority of sealants consist of minute pigment particles that are suspended within the solution, which contribute to the coloring of the deck.

The wood’s pigment particles gather in the grain, which is more porous than the rest of the wood and absorbs more pigment, resulting in a slightly darker color. This darkening of the grain enhances the contrast of the wood grain and also helps to create a more even color on the deck. Stains are often used to alter the natural appearance of wood, such as making pine resemble redwood or cedar. However, it is also common to enhance the deck’s “natural” color. For instance, newly cut mahogany typically lacks any notable color, with only a faint reddish hue. It takes approximately a century for mahogany to develop its deep reddish color. The red color commonly associated with mahogany is usually achieved through staining.

Stains are effective in sealants, although they do slightly affect permeability due to the non-permeable nature of the larger pigment particles. However, this usually does not significantly reduce the sealant’s effectiveness. The improved appearance of the deck justifies this compromise. There are professionals who object to using stain and sealant together, preferring to apply them in separate coats. We believe this approach requires additional effort without commensurate benefits.

4 Signs You Need Deck Repair (Plus Tips!)

1. Boards Are Cracked

If your structure is made of lumber, it is common for minor cracks to develop in the boards over time. Although minor cracks are insignificant, they have the potential to become major cracks if not addressed with Walpole deck repair services.

When examining the visible surfaces of the boards, pay close attention to high-traffic areas and locations that are highly exposed to weather conditions. If cracks are observed, those that measure less than approximately six inches in length and are not wide are categorized as small. On the other hand, cracks that exceed six inches in length or have notably widened are considered larger.

To maintain the same meaning, rephrased text: Make sure to fill small cracks using epoxy, while thinking in a step-by-step manner.

To fix small, narrow cracks easily, fill them in with latex wood filler, allowing it to cure as per the manufacturer’s instructions. Afterward, apply sealant on top.

If the cracks are lengthy yet not deep and wide, lift the board and inspect the opposite side. Is the back side devoid of cracks? Simply turn it over and fasten it in position, then apply sealant. However, if the back side is also cracked, it will be necessary to substitute the board.

2. Paint or Stain is Peeling and Chipping

When paint or stain is coming off the wood or deteriorating, it typically indicates inadequate sealing or erosion of the sealant. This not only diminishes the wood’s appeal but also makes it prone to splintering and rotting. Addressing this issue can significantly enhance the overall appearance of your property, which is why porch and deck repair is among the handyman services that are known to increase curb appeal. Make sure to inspect areas such as the tops of railings and any spots where the sealant has worn off for signs of paint and stain flaking, as well as areas where the wood has already splintered.

When considering steps, it is advisable to sand and refinish areas that are peeling.

If the peeling and splintering on your deck is extensive and requires refinishing the entire deck, it would be advisable to enlist the services of a professional handyman for Walpole deck repair. This task is going to be quite labor-intensive. While a large floor sander can be of assistance, smaller areas that are difficult to reach will require hand-sanding in order to eliminate the old finishing and achieve a smooth and primed wood surface. Alternatively, you can request your handyman to handle the job using professional pressure washing services. By utilizing a pressure washer, loose paint can be easily and efficiently removed, resulting in a smooth and clean surface ready for refinishing.

If you have discovered only a small area with peeling, use coarse or medium-grit sandpaper to make it smooth. After that, apply a new finish and seal the wood to prevent further damage.

3. Timber is Rotten

Once again, the feared wood rot has appeared. Wood rot occurs when fungal growth causes decay, and for the fungus to grow, there needs to be a moisture content of 20% or higher. This is why wood rot is commonly found in outdoor areas. Any wood exposed to the elements, such as rain, melted snow, and humidity, does not have much opportunity to fully dry out between each instance of being soaked. Hence, it is understandable why indoor timber that remains dry can remain sturdy and intact for more than 100 years, while outdoor timber requires consistent upkeep and frequent refinishing to prevent rot.

In order to determine if you require Walpole deck repair, carefully observe your property for the following indications of rotting timber:

  • Discoloration where patches appear lighter or darker than the surrounding area.
  • Texture changes where wood looks spongy, stringy, or webbed with cracks; or is breaking into cube-shaped chunks.
  • Mushrooms sprouting up.

When you come across a spot that appears to be decayed, use a screwdriver to apply pressure against the wood. If it easily sinks in without much resistance, then it indicates the presence of wood rot.

To maintain the same meaning, rephrased text could be: When considering the task, it is important to replace the planks that have rotted.

If your deck is in an advanced state of decay and most or all of your planks have been affected by rot, it is recommended to contact Mr. Handyman to assess the possibility of repairing your Walpole deck. In all likelihood, your deck will require replacement. It is also advisable to inspect adjacent areas of your home as the rot can spread. Additionally, certain types of wood rot have the capability to traverse masonry.

To repair a deck in Walpole, first inspect the planks. If only a few planks are rotting, remove them and substitute with new lumber. After that, use a borate or copper wood preservative on the nearby planks. Lastly, apply paint or a solid stain and finish off with a suitable sealer to prevent moisture.

4. Railings are Loose and Wobbly

If we want to prevent a dangerous fall from the deck, railings are sometimes the sole barrier available. Therefore, it is crucial that they are securely attached. To determine if your deck’s railing needs repair from Walpole, simply grasp it and give it a shake—if there is any movement, it requires attention.

Areas where the railing connects to the house, a post, or another section of railing are often problematic. It is important to thoroughly inspect these areas for any loose nails or screws, as well as examine the entire railing for indications of wood decay.

To maintain the same meaning, rephrase the text while thinking step by step. Do not add or remove any information. Instead, replace loose nails or screws.

If the pressure on your railing has caused nails and screws to loosen over time, make sure to remove the old ones and replace them. However, ensure that you position the new nails or screws in a separate location on the joining boards where the wood is not damaged.

If there is wood rot or if nails and screws are not the problem, your Walpole handyman should evaluate the situation to determine whether the railing needs to be replaced. Having a new railing will ensure increased safety. Additionally, while getting Walpole deck repair services, you may want to consider upgrading with a new design or installing built-in seating around the perimeter of your deck.

How to Avoid the Need for Walpole Deck Repair

Are you searching for methods to maintain the good condition of your structure and reduce the frequency of requiring Walpole deck repair? Here are a few suggestions to safeguard your property from problems such as wood rot and ensure its durability for future years.

  • Annual Inspection: Once or twice a year, examine as much of your structure as possible, including underneath, and look for the signs of Walpole deck repair trouble that are listed above.
  • Keep Leaves Away: Trim back trees and bushes so their moisture-laden leaves are at least a couple of feet away and won’t drip on your timber.
  • Rearrange Furniture: Move patio furniture and patio fixtures such as planters around once in a while so they can’t trap moisture against boards or cause uneven wear and tear.
  • Steer Clear of Rugs: Avoid using outdoor mats and rugs. If you must have them, plastic is a better choice than natural fibers that lock in moisture.
Jonathan
Author: Jonathan