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How to fix deck starting to curl due to water?

Nakkas
Finding My Feet

How to fix deck starting to curl due to water?

My 8 year old decking is starting to curl due to water from rain. How do we stop this? Is there a water resistant decking I should have used? The deck get recoated every 2 years..

Noyade
Kind of a Big Deal

Re: How to fix deck starting to curl due to water?

Hi @Nakkas 

 

Any chance of posting some photos of the warped pieces? Cheers! 👍

Nakkas
Finding My Feet

Re: How to fix deck starting to curl due to water?

20220809_134729.jpg

Noyade
Kind of a Big Deal

Re: How to fix deck starting to curl due to water?

That was quick! 😁 @Nakkas 

Is it just this board?

It looks like it just needs re-screwing? Hard to tell...

 

Capture.PNG

 

It looks like some misadventure with the screw on the right (two holes)?

No screw on the left?

Re: How to fix deck starting to curl due to water?

I relocated the screw to help pull down on the plank as it was stripped. There is a screw on the other side. There are about 4 planks that are not flat. May just replace a few of them

Noyade
Kind of a Big Deal

Re: How to fix deck starting to curl due to water?

Would it be worth a try with bigger screws before replacing boards?

Standing on the board - does it 'bend' back into position?

 

I know from personal experience hardwood fence palings that have warped slightly have snapped the screw size on the left.

Now I'm not suggesting you use the one on the right - but maybe try something bigger than you're presently using?

 

20220809_164201.jpg

CSParnell
Amassing an Audience

Re: How to fix deck starting to curl due to water?

Hi @Nakkas welcome to Workshop and thanks for posting.

 

There may be a  few reasons why this may occur.

 

Too much sun on the top, combined with too much moisture below.

 

Too little clearance between the ground side moisture and the bottom of the deck boards 

 

Inadequate ventilation below the deck

 

Improper drainage below the deck

 

High exposure to sunlight above the deck

 

Minimal gap space between the deck boards

 

Insufficient fastening of the deck boards

 

It may be worth checking these suggestions to find root cause and then proceeding from there.

Re: How to fix deck starting to curl due to water?

Thanks. Sound like most of those are the issue. Moisture and ventilation I have no control over at this time.

CSParnell
Amassing an Audience

Re: How to fix deck starting to curl due to water?

@EricL do you have any suggestions buddy?

KatieC
Retired Team Member
Retired Team Member

Re: How to fix deck starting to curl due to water?

Hi @Nakkas,

 

Let me also extend a warm welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community! Thank you for joining and asking your great question about deck curling. With summer approaching, many of our members will be looking to restore their deck and might also be seeking the same advice. Our resident DIY guru @EricL will be online later this afternoon but let me tag @Adam_W as he has created this helpful guide How to renovate a timber deck and may be able to give some advice on your deck. 

 

Katie

 

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