Decks usually need repair once they're 10 to 15 years old. Repairs usually involve resetting some fasteners, replacing a few pieces of decking, cleaning the deck to remove dirt and mildew or re-applying finish. An older deck, especially one included in a home purchase, may have more problems. Moisture damage or rot in deck framing indicates that it is time for a new deck. One deteriorating joist or post usually indicates that more will soon follow.
There are 3 steps to completing this project:
Remove loose or popped nails with a cat's paw or pry bar. Protect the board surface with a wide putty knife. Drive long deck screws in place of the nails. Drill pilot holes and use additional screws if necessary.
Drive the claws of the cat's paw underneath nailheads to pry them out when removing damaged decking. Use a pry bar to lift out damaged boards.
Protect adjacent boards with a wide putty knife. Cut and install replacement boards. Let a new board overhang at the edge of a deck; it's quicker and more accurate to trim in place than to trim before installing.
