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Even if your deck is properly constructed with a solid foundation, it doesn’t always mean it can handle the extra weight of a sunroom. Always call in a structural engineer to perform a deck inspection to evaluate the quality and structural integrity of the deck before building. You may need to reinforce the foundations and joists, and with decks in poor condition, it might be better to tear them down and start again. A pro can help you decide.

Rotten deck boards can sometimes be repaired, but only if the damage is minor. Repairing small patches of rot involves strengthening the damaged area with wood hardener, filler, or epoxy. More substantial damage requires replacing the boards or rebuilding the entire structure in extreme cases. If the rot extends to the joists, posts, or beams, have a contractor evaluate the damage to ensure it is still structurally sound.

It is best to power wash your deck and sand it, as cleaning removes grime, mildew, and dirt, while sanding refreshes the wood and allows the stain to penetrate. You should clean your deck first, sand it, and then stain it. You should clean your deck annually, while sanding and staining only needs to be done every three years.

The signs of rot depend on the type. Dry rot looks like cube-shaped cracks with a fluffy white, cotton-like texture. Wood with dry rot may also have a strong, musty smell. 

Signs of other types of rot include wood that looks mushy or has black spots. The wood may crumble or give way when touched.