How to fix deck starting to curl due to water?

[Nakkas]

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]

Hi @Nakkas 

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

[Nakkas]

 

[Noyade]

That was quick! 😁 @Nakkas 

Is it just this board?

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

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

No screw on the left?

[Nakkas]

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]

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?

[CSParnell]

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.

[Nakkas]

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

[CSParnell]

@EricL do you have any suggestions buddy?

[KatieC]

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