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MD Deck Repair: The Detail Guys

Feb 18

Regular deck maintenance is necessary to maintain your deck's appearance in Maryland. A professional deck repair will not only repair any damage done to the wood but also prevent future damage.

In this article we'll discuss the most common issues that deck owners need to fix in order to keep their deck looking fantastic. Keep reading to learn more.

Removing Paint From Boards

First, remove all old paint from your deck. You can use any sharp object or a putty cutter to clean the boards, but you should not scratch it. This could lead to further damage.

Once the old paint is removed, you'll need to sand each piece of wood with medium-grit Sandpaper. Then, wipe them with water and paint them again.

Checking for Cracks

Next, look at the edges and corners of the boards that meet with other wood pieces on your deck. To prevent them from showing through later, caulk should be used to fill any gaps between the two pieces.

You can also use the putty knives to fill in any cracks and gouges on your deck surface before painting it again. This will ensure that moisture doesn't get trapped below, which can lead to damage or rot.

Most Common Damage Areas

The most common damage areas are the rim joint, posts, or ledger boards. These spots are especially vulnerable because they are hidden behind railings/under decks.

Rim Joist

The rimjoist (or wood beam) is the part of the deck that connects to the foundation. Posts are vertical support for handrails or steps. They are located on both ends of stairs.

Ledger Boards

Ledger board are typically attached horizontally under decks near the ground so that they don't get mowed up by dirt and grass.

Joist Hangers

The joist hangingers are attached vertically at each end to the ledgerboard supports. This secures them during normal use and allows them movement in high winds or other extreme events, such as heavy snowfall.

Preventing Deck Damage

Although it is best to keep your deck maintained, there are things you can do today and in the future. These include:

Pressure-treated wood is recommended for structural elements like beams, joists and posts. These pieces are more exposed than other parts, which leads to them getting wetter and staying there longer, making them rot quicker. Therefore, using materials can protect them from this kind of deterioration or at least delay it.

It might be worth inspecting your deck boards regularly for any water pools.

It is important to regularly clean a composite deck with a wood cleaner and mild detergent according to the manufacturer's directions. This can cause discoloration and pollen buildup over time.

You should inspect railings, stairs and other deck features for damage or looseness every few months. It is important to fix any problems as soon as possible, because small problems can quickly grow into large ones.

Conclusion:

These are some simple ways to keep your deck looking great for years!

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