Unmaintained decks can become dangerous and ugly. Consider a “re-deck” if this describes your deck replacement and you wish to upgrade to a maintenance-free outdoor living area.
Although Stilus design and construction replacing deck boards might seem like a simple task, there are potential pitfalls. With these pointers, you’ll steer clear of key problems and breathe new life into your deck.
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Demo Decking
Deck board removal is a hassle. The removal of hardwood decking that was nailed on will go more smoothly. Expect not to back out the screws one by one if it was screwed on. Instead, pull up the boards and use a hammer to strike the base of any remaining screws in the joists, breaking them off. This task will be made easier by a specially designed pry bar like the Duckbill Deck Wrecker.
Ledger Board Flash
Over the ledger board holding the deck to the house, install flashing. Flashing may not be present on older decks, but now is the ideal opportunity to install it because the decking is off. Under the weather-resistant barrier of your home, tuck the Z-flashing. The ledger board is shielded, and water is diverted away from the house.
Replacing corroded posts
Verify the deck’s supporting pillars’ bottoms. It’s time to change them if they’re rotting. And it’s fairly simple.
First, install temporary posts on either side of the rotten post using hydraulic jacks. Ensure that the jack is on a solid, level surface before gradually raising the deck framing enough to remove the post. To prevent it from rotting, mount a new deck post on a post foundation.
Absence of hanger nails
Examine the joist hangers as the deck planks are removed. They ought to be fully nailed and free of corrosion. Install hanger nails in any holes that are missing them. Put 3-inch nails at a 45-degree angle into the joists and 1-1/2-inch nails into the ledger board.
Strengthen Railings
Your deck needs a railing if it is taller than 30 inches. Building codes require railing to be able to withstand a least of 200 lbs of force exerted anywhere, whether it is made of wood, composite, or aluminium. Since it is challenging to measure, it is better to strengthen these rails to prevent movement.
Rails Mounted on the Surface
Fix a 2-layer block flush to the top of the deck framing to support surface-mounted rails. If the joists are parallel to the edge, place a block across them and secure them with structural screws measuring 8 inches. Blocking should be laid with its grain parallel to the deck’s edge.
To modernise wood posts, add a sleeve
You can quickly transform the appearance and protect your wood posts by simply slipping a sleeve over the top. For less than $200, you can have two covered posts and an 8-foot stretch of maintenance-free railing when you combine them with an 8-foot railing kit. In home centres, you can find the sleeves and railing package.
Conclusion:
Aluminum railing will give your deck a more stylish makeover. On the surface of your deck, install aluminium poles. For the railing, select between glass or steel cable. Six feet of aluminium railing and posts should cost at least $250 at home stores.
