As the weather warms up, more homeowners are turning to their decks for outdoor entertaining and relaxation. If your deck is showing signs of wear and tear, it may be time to call a professional for a full repair. However, it is important to understand the factors that influence the cost of a deck repair before making any decisions.

DIY Deck Repair: Common Issues and Solutions

A common sign that your deck is in need of repairs is wood rot or fungus growth. If these issues go unchecked, they can spread from one board to the entire structure and cause serious damage.

Another common issue that leads to deck repair is a sagging or unstable deck. This problem is often caused by corroded joist hangers, which connect the structural joists to the beams. A sagging deck is also dangerous because it can collapse under the weight of furniture or people.

Other signs that your deck is in need of repair include mildew and mold, loose railings, or a spongy feel beneath feet. Mold and mildew are easy to address with a thorough power wash, while loose railings can be replaced by a contractor. In some cases, the spongy feel underfoot is caused by a loose ledger board that connects your deck to your home. You can usually spot this problem by looking for dirt or dust near the deck’s edge closest to your home.

Once you have a firm understanding of the repairs needed, you can prepare for the project by gathering the proper materials. This will depend on the type of deck you have: for example, a wood deck will require different materials than a composite deck. It is also important to have the right tools on hand to make the repair process as smooth as possible.