If you have a balcony deck, then you probably use it a lot. It could be your family’s favorite breakfast spot at home or the venue of choice for your many dinner parties.

Staying home has become part of the new norm during this pandemic. Suddenly all of us have so much free time on our hands.

Tackling home improvement and maintenance projects is a great way to take one’s mind off the threat of Covid-19. You stay productive while prepping the house months before the cold weather sets in.

Repairing your balcony deck should be high on your to-do list. Its outdoor location makes it more susceptible to wear and tear so you should definitely work on it first. Put it off for too long and the wood can crack and rot. The foundation could falter resulting in an accident and serious injuries.

 

The last thing you’d want is for you or your family to need hospital care at a time like this. So to get started on balcony decking repair, follow the steps below.

 

Start with the Supports and Fasteners

Deck repairs should always start from the ground up. Inspect the supports and beams on your deck. Replace feet or posts that have sunk to the ground with concrete deck supports. These are made to fit round or square beams with a pocket that slots right into the bottom of the supports.

If needed, add vertical beams underneath the deck for additional support. Hammer down loose nails and add new screws to boards or brackets where needed. Use 4-inch screws on twisted boards that won’t lay out flat.

 

Deal with Cracks and Splits

Unscrew cracked boards so you can turn them upside down. The bottom side of the board is usually in better shape. But if that side happens to be cracked, inject the cracks with polyurethane caulk. Purchase this filler in a color that matches the wood used on your deck.

 

Surface Preparation

Weathered boards will acquire a gray tint that has a rough texture. Sand the deck boards using an 80-grit sanding belt. This reveals the amber color of natural wood. You may sand over caulked areas.

Just remember to replace the caulking on spots where they’ve been sanded off. Finish the job with a 100-grit belt son the belt sander.

 

Seal

Opt to seal your balcony decking instead of painting over it. Deck sealers contain penetrating oils that seep into the wood and cause it to harden. If you want a new look for this structure, choose the variety with a colored stain.

Fill a paint sprayer with a deck sealer and apply liberally on the deck. Once done, allow to dry for 72 hours before using the deck. Do this once a year for permanent protection.

I hope the information above simplifies the deck repair process for you. Regular cleaning and periodic maintenance ensure that your balcony deck will remain usable and in good condition for years and years to come.

 

WICR Waterproofing & Decking is Southern California’s premier waterproofing and decking specialist covering Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties. We are trained by all the major manufacturers of waterproofing systems so that we can install or repair any waterproofing project. Please visit us at www.WICRWaterproofing.com