Depending on the material used, replacing deck posts costs $200 to $400 each. They can rot or break down due to age, weathering, or wear and should be replaced as soon as possible to avoid structural damage and injury.
Deck Cleaning Summerville SC can inspect your deck and advise you on repairing any damage or rot. They will also recommend preventative maintenance for your deck.
Wood decks are susceptible to cracking due to constant exposure to heat and moisture. Small or hairline cracks are an inevitable consequence of aging but can be repaired to avoid further damage and ensure your deck’s safety and longevity.
Start by thoroughly examining your deck for loose boards, nails, and screws. Check especially the boards that connect to your house, known as ledgers. If they come loose, the entire deck can begin to pull away from the house, creating a dangerous situation for you and your family. If any of the ledgers are loose, it’s a good idea to consult a professional to determine whether or not they need to be replaced entirely.
Once you’ve inspected your deck for loose hardware, take the time to walk around and look over each board for cracks and signs of wear. Large gaps between boards should be filled as soon as they appear to avoid tripping hazards and allow water to drain from the deck properly. Cracks can be easily repaired using a simple epoxy filler. Before starting the repair, however, ensure the crack is dry and clean of debris. If not, the damage may be harder to repair than it would otherwise be.
To prepare the area for crack repair, use a wire brush or a power washer to remove any dirt or weeds from the crack in the concrete. If the crack is in a stair or landing, you’ll need to be extra careful since children and pets often use stairs. Place a drop cloth over your working area to prevent any epoxy from spilling onto your floors or walls is also a good idea.
Once the cracks have been cleaned and inspected, they can be filled using a basic wood filler. This can be purchased in various colors to match the color of your deck so that the repair is undetectable. If the cracking is severe, however, consider replacing the board entirely. This is particularly true if the cracked wood is splintering or infested with termites or carpenter ants.
When a deck is built, many things can go wrong. Wood rot is a common issue that can be difficult to repair. When wood rot is not caught early, it can spread throughout the entire structure and become a serious safety hazard for anyone who uses the deck. This is why it’s important to routinely inspect the surface of a deck to check for signs of rot. If any areas are found, they should be repaired immediately.
The wood that makes up a deck is at risk of rot because it’s constantly exposed to moisture and UV rays. Moisture seeps into seams and corners and degrades the deck’s structural integrity, while UV rays warp the surface of the boards. This is why it’s so important to stain a deck regularly, to prevent moisture from seeping into the board’s surface and damaging it.
This is a sign of rot if you notice soft, spongy areas on your deck. While most rotting occurs on the surface of the boards, it can also affect the beams and supports underneath the deck. Hiring a professional carpenter to remove and replace the affected boards might be best if the rot is severe.
Inspect the beams and joists for rot, especially parts touching the ground. If you can sink the tip of a screwdriver into a post or joist, it’s probably rotted and needs to be replaced. Use pressure-treated lumber for new boards, offering more durability than untreated timbers.
You can repair the surface boards if the joists are in good condition. To do this, remove the deck boards and expose the joists beneath them. If the joists are in good shape, you can reinstall them with nails or screws and stain the board to keep it safe from water. If the joists are in bad condition, you’ll need to jack up the deck and concrete three 6×6 support posts into the ground, then put them in a rubber sleeve around them so they will never rot again.
You must take prompt action if you spot mold or mildew growing on your deck. These fungi can damage the surface of your deck, causing it to crack and crumble. They also leave unsightly black spores behind that can lead to further problems with your deck, including rotting and weakening the boards and structural beams.
Black mold is especially harmful to infants, people with preexisting health conditions, and individuals sensitive to fungal spores. Long-term exposure can lead to respiratory complications and even mycotoxicosis. This condition can cause various symptoms, including headaches, memory loss, nosebleeds, and pains and aches.
Mold growth under your deck indicates too much moisture in the area. This may be because the deck was built too close to the ground, faulty drainage or grading, or simply because of a lack of ventilation. Moisture build-up can be prevented by adding ventilation to your deck, allowing trapped water and air to escape.
When cleaning your composite deck, the best action is to start with a hose or power wash and remove as much surface mold as possible. After that, you’ll need to mix a solution of two parts vinegar and one part water in a bucket and apply it directly to the affected areas. Next, sprinkle on some baking soda and allow it to soak for 20 minutes. After that, scrub the area and rinse thoroughly.
Once your deck is clean, you can use a dehumidifier to dry the area completely and prevent mold from returning. Once your deck is completely dry, it’s time to consider re-staining or repainting it. It’s important to use a stain that contains a mildewcide to protect your deck from future mold growth.
In addition to preventing black mold and mildew, you can help keep insects like termites, carpenter ants, and woodpeckers from damaging your deck by installing a protective barrier. These barriers can be made from wood or metal, including post caps, railings, and trim pieces.
Algae may not be as damaging as cracks or warping, but it still diminishes the look of your deck. It also makes the surface of your deck slippery, posing a serious safety hazard for people who walk on it. Luckily, it is fairly easy to remove.
You can use several methods to eliminate green algae on wood decks. One popular cleaning product is white vinegar. Mix it with water in a bucket to wash the entire deck or apply it to specific mold or mildew areas. After using the solution, scrub the area with a brush and rinse it thoroughly.
Another natural cleaner that can be used indoors and outdoors is baking soda. It’s a non-toxic alternative to chemical products and works well on stains and blemishes. Mix a cup of baking soda with a gallon of water, scrub the deck, then rinse it thoroughly.
Hydrogen peroxide is another common cleaning product that you can use to remove mold and mildew from your deck. It breaks down greasy residue and grime and can penetrate porous surfaces to kill fungi at the roots. Mix it with water and scrub the deck with a brush to remove unsightly stains.
Many types of fungi thrive in warm, moist environments. They can cause wood rot and other damage to your deck, so it is important to address any problems immediately.
It is important to take action immediately if you notice any signs of fungi, such as a green film or dark patches. Fungi will grow rapidly, especially if they are left untreated. The fungi can also release airborne spores, which harm people with respiratory concerns.
To prevent the growth of green algae and other fungi on your deck, sweep the surface regularly and keep debris-free. Debris can block sunlight from reaching the surface of your deck, which will promote the growth of mold and mildew. You can also use a power washer to blast the surface of your deck and remove any accumulated moss or algae. To avoid damaging the soft wood, it is important to use a low-pressure setting.