Share
hi everyone,
Looking for advice on the quickest and most efficient way to repair a small section of the frame on my deck without having to take the 3m+ merbu beams off.
It's a small section 30cm that I noticed was moving under the deck when I was about to start lightly sanding to recoat.
I was thinking that I would:
1. Remove as much of the rotten section as I can
2. Use a wood hardner on the rest of the section and then use an undercoat.
3. Cut a small filling wood section of outdoor pine and top this with a small section of marine ply. Squeeze this in and fill with liquid nails solution. Use an undercoat on this as well then dry.
4. Consider also using a poly filler 2 pack to fill in any remaining gaps and also undercoat this.
It's all under the deck and I dont want to cut the entire section and replace as I would have to pull all the beams out.
Thoughts?
Hi @johnk,
The extent you should go to repairing this rotted section of timber will depend on what function it serves in the deck. It looks likely that this rotten timber is acting as a bearer, which means the joists are directly supported by it.
From the photo you have provided, you can see that the perpendicular timber has been nailed into it. This indicates more of the deck is directly supported by this timber.
Unfortunately, if this section of the frame is rotten, there is a good chance more of this timber running along the wall is rotten, meaning more sections of your deck are being supported by rotten timber that has the potential to fail.
There's a good chance that anywhere this timber is touching the concrete wall, there will be further rot. Before deciding on a plan, I think it is important to check for rot along the full length of this wall.
I'd suggest you lift the ends of the decking boards and inspect the full length of this timber. There's a good chance you will need to remove and replace this rotten bearer.
Unfortunately, I think it is likely there is more to this job than just replacing a small section of rotted timber.
Let me know what you find. I will happily assist further once you've done some further investigation.
Jacob
