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It is possible to repair wet, rotted wood, but it depends on the extent of the damage. If the wood is severely decayed, it may be necessary to replace the affected sections entirely. However, if the rot is relatively minor, you can attempt to repair it. Start by removing any wet or decayed wood, allowing the area to dry thoroughly. Then, you can apply a wood hardener or consolidant to strengthen the remaining wood fibers. Finally, use epoxy wood fillers to fill in the damaged areas, shaping and sanding them to match the original wood surface.

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.

While the terms deck and porch are often used interchangeably, they are two distinct home features. Porches offer a roof that protects from the elements when coming and going from the house. Generally, porches are on the front of your home. On the other hand, decks are generally built in the backyard of a home and offer no roof or protection from the elements, like rain or snow. Porches typically require less maintenance and upkeep thanks to the roof, but both features require regular cleaning and repairs to maintain good condition.

How long deck boards last largely depends on the type of wood and if it's treated or not. Untreated boards last anywhere from ten to 30 years, assuming proper care and maintenance. Treated boards can last up to 50 years. Composite boards also tend to last longer than pure wood boards.