PREVENTION OF DECK ROT
How close to the elements and to
the moist ground can affect most wooden decks and porches to wood
rotting. Obviously, weakened rotted structural framing and boards on
a deck or porch can lead to serious injury. Thus making
it vital that homeowners periodically check for this culprit, wood
rot-causing fungus. Keep in mind that wood rot requires moisture to eat up the good
wood.
How to Identify Wood Rot
Fungus feeds on moist
wood and produces wood rot. The fungus sends tiny threads into the wood for
food, these wood fibers begin to break down which
leads to the wood decomposing. There are 2 main types of wood rot
that will differ in effect and
appearance. The first gives the appearance of brown-colored
spots, and you can break off the wood in cubes. This is
called cubical Brown rot or some the name "cube rot".
Our
second type of rot will leave a white or yellow color on the
wood giving it a string feeling or a spongy feeling. A common
mistake is to call rot "dry rot"—because this phrase is often
referred to very old wood which has long-since
rotted and dried out. For a more detailed look and
prevention see How
wood rot affects your deck and prevention.
Do not confuse rot with wood stains which homeowners can do.
The difference is that a stain is usually caused by mildew
or mold creating discolor or a blemish on the wood.
These types of stains do not affect the integrity of the
wood. What makes wood rot a danger is that your wood
can look health while hiding wood rot. How do I find
out if I have any wood rot? Get yourself a sharp pointed
object or tool such as a pick or screwdriver. Using that
object to pick at the wood areas and if the area of concern
breaks off or feels soft/punky, then the wood is rotted.
Wet or moist areas in the wood will indicate potential
rot.
Don't let this happen to your deck.
Your Common Trouble Spots
The fact is decks and porches are built in such a way to leave wood
vulnerable to rot. Usually decks and porches' undersides
often are close to the ground, enabling the culprit moisture
to have access to the wood. The best way to check for rot in
these areas, if possible, a homeowner with a
flashlight should inspect under the porch or deck for wood rot.
This next area of mention is one where you typically find
wood rot; Usually Rot will migrate from the joists to the
decks underside of the planks.
see Keep wood joists dry
and protected from rot.
|
Fight
Back to End Rot
The presence of wood rot doesn't necessarily
mean all is lost. There are things that
a Do-it-yourself can do. Rotted wood should be removed, and be
sure to remove an addition two feet of good wood in either
direction of the decay. Other options
can include the use of
penetrating epoxy sealers on decaying areas.
These products will harden the soft or "punky"
rotting wood and the purpose of this product
is to stop
spread of rot.
Rotted structural members will need replacing,
You may have to call a professional contractor to accomplish this.
Be sure to note any
wood- direct contact with the ground which
will produce wood rot and correct it.
Prevention of Wood Rot
There are a number of steps a homeowner can take to prevent
wood rot . Since rot requires moisture,
it is essential to keep decks and porches as dry as
possible. Gutters ,downspouts and water run-off should be
directed away
from your deck. This will entail having adequate flashing,
proper gutters,
and the like.
Other things that can contribute to deck
rotting are; Sprinklers that send water onto the deck. Potted plants
that rest on the deck which will cause puddles of water, and nearby
plants and shrubs can add to the moisture in the area too, as well
as build up of water on the deck.
Have you regularly ( every year or two)
stained or sealed your redwood or wood deck? This will
immensely protect from normal moisture. Remember you must
apply this semi-transparent stains every year or two to be effective
up keeping, in the protection of your deck. these products are meant
to be reapplied. Homeowners should follow manufacturers' guidelines.
Also consider options to protect the joists
and or underside of the deck boards from moisture. Some or
joists jackets, a rubber like material that gules or attaches to the
top of the joists to protect from puddles of water. Another is
to build the deck using pressure treated lumber for joists.
Finally, coat the joists with a sealer, especially the top of the
joists that the boards sit on or screw into.
Make sure that there is air flow , no space should not
be enclosed completely. Make sure there is at least a quarter inch
gap between all deck boards and at least an eight gap on the ends-
to increase ventillation and to prevent leaves from sticking in
between the boards collecting mold and moisture.
When it comes to composite decking, Trex has a decent warranty program. Most
of the problems with some boards are a disintegration of the
board itself reducing it to either peeling apart or
reducing it to a sawdust like condition.
In fact, according to a popular trade magazine, Trex
recently in 2008 set aside approximately 45 million dollars
towards it’s present warranty claims.
Mold in composite
decking is another
concern to watch out for too, which as most of us know,
black spots appear on the boards. Composite decking,
is made up of 50% wood fibers which under the right
conditions attracts mold.
To
file a claim go to the Trex home page and follow the
guidelines. Once that is done, Trex will arrange for an
inspection of your deck and claim. An actual representative
of Trex will call you and set up an inspection appointment.
He
or She will diagram your deck, identify the problem and take
digital pictures of the problem. Next this information will
be submitted to Trex for review. Expect the whole process
to take at least 30-60 days before getting an approval to
finally have a scheduled reinstallation of the flawed
boards, done by a licensed contractor through Trex.
Trex
usually prefers to replace the whole deck just in case
other boards in time become warranty issues, and will not
cost you even a penny. The following information deals
with Maintenance issues , plus present problems and
solutions to keep your deck looking it’s best;
© 2005 American Floor
Coverings Inc. All rights reserve
|
