Are you embarrassed to have company on your deck with all of the cracks and splinters? Is it an eyesore in the backyard? If so, what lead to the death of your deck? For some home owners they skipped a few too many regular maintenances. Or maybe you neglected the chance of a DIY repair. In this blog, we’ll examine how a deck deteriorates. We’ll also provide some helpful tips for preventing these kind of problems in the future.
Cracking
First, we know that eventually all wood cracks. As a natural substance, wood suffers from the elements. Cracking weakens the boards over time. Pressure causes the most common types of cracks found in deck wood. Wood shrinks as it dries. The stress of shrinking creates what is called pressure cracking. Every time the wood gets saturated then dries, it has the possibility of cracking. Most people attribute these cracks to the sun. You’ll notice on your deck that the boards in constant shade suffer less from cracking than those in direct sunlight.
Splintering Boards
If your boards are at the point of splintering, replace them! Not only are splinters annoying and painful for bare feet, they indicate a core weakness in the board. Splintering boards signify deterioration. If you notice splinters across your deck floor or top rails, replace these boards immediately. You can chip away the loose pieces, but this is a temporary fix. Unfortunately, the board will continue to splinter no matter what you do.
How to Fix Splinters and other Deck Problems
The only way to safely and successfully fix a dying deck is with a total restoration. The different issues of the wood require different approaches. Additionally, some boards may need replacing, while others can be repaired. Avoid deck-over products that claim to be a simple solution to your deck dilemma. In order to restore your deck, hire a professional team of deck technicians. Professionals specialize in resurfacing. Commercial grade sanding safely removes damage and cleans the wood. An epoxy polymer seals smaller cracks, preventing them from growing. And once the pours of the outer layer of wood are opened, professionals apply a protective stain. With this 5 step process, you revive your deck, but also protect it for years.
