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Our decks are built to give us the relief we need from a hard day's work. They have also been built to add beauty to our homes and this is true if they are properly installed, designed and periodic maintenance is conducted. Our handyman business has encountered many requests for deck repairs, mostly due to wood damage specifically wood rot.
One deck problem that we encountered was for a house that was merely 5 years old. The deck was not flashed properly and water was able to seep in and substantial wood damage was done. This meant that significant repairs had to be made and the damaged wood replaced.
Most often damage is found where the deck is connected to the house. Water should not be able to seep behind the deck ledger board or penetrate into the back of the siding as if the water is not able to dry out, an environment for the creation of this damage will begin.
The following are some instances of deck repairs that were caused by water and wood rot.
Several wall studs were found to be completely infected by wood rot and the damage was not even seen on the outside. Repairs were scheduled to be made for the basement and this was when the wood damage was noticed. Additional structural support for the house was needed along with the replacement of the insulation and all exterior sheathing.
Deck problems can easily occur as I encountered a house that was damaged by water and was only 5 years old. Damage was extensive as we replaced structural wood, an entire exterior which included the siding, water barrier, plywood insulation and the framing for a number of the homes' doors and windows.
We should remember that maintenance of our homes and decks should be done periodically. If you notice that there may be a problem, have it checked immediately. One should also never go for short term solutions as this may create an even larger problem in the future. Additionally, ensure that proper flashing is installed. Hire a handyman to install the structural components of your deck to minimize the risk of wood damage.
Decks are supposed to be beautiful and they are when designed, installed and maintained properly. Many decks have problems when they were not designed or installed/extended properly, often after as an add-on after a home is built. If the wood of your deck is rotten, you should have it reapired immediately so that it will not affect other wood inside the house.
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