Get matched with top deck maintenance specialists in Oceana, WV

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.

Deck repairs cost around $800 to $3,500. However, your cost depends on the type and severity of the repair, as well as the type of decking material you have. Other factors, like location and labor costs, impact the price, too. Boards and railings are the priciest parts of a deck to repair, while loose stairs are less expensive to fix.

Rescreening your porch can take a few hours to a whole day, depending on the size of the enclosure and the amount of screen that needs replacing. If you decide to have a professional handle the rescreening, be sure to get a timeline and a cost estimate so you know how long you’ll be without the screened-in space.

Cutting the boards directly is one of the fastest ways to remove deck boards with hidden fasteners. Mark two parallel lines that are one-third of the total measurement on both ends and cut out the centerpiece. Then, remove the end of the board that doesn’t have a fastener. Finally, pry open the fastened side and pull it up to pop out the screw or access the fastener. This also allows you to salvage portions of boards for other projects.