When a piece of wood is outdoors for a period, it can rot. Whether from wet rot, insect damage, or mold, the fibers begin to break down.
That’s why the wood that supports your outdoor deck must be solid and safe when you build it. If this is not the case, your terrace may become unsightly and unsafe over time. Typically, the wood substructure of an average deck begins to split and rot around 8 to 10 years of age.
Causes Of Rot: Do Not Forget About The Substructure Of The Platform
Homeowners often pay close attention to the appearance of their deck tops and preventing surface rot. However, just as much attention must be paid to the substructure, even if you choose a composite rather than a wood deck. The substructure is the series of beams, stringers, and posts supporting the terrace boards, which comprise the terrace floor.
Over time, rain and snow falling between the plank spaces will create a wet substructure. So, any moisture that starts to show up over time, such as wet leaves or debris falling between the boards, can cause damage.
Additionally, this humidity can attract fungi that break the cell walls of the wood and feed on its nutrients. It should be considered that hot and humid areas make it even more difficult for the wood to dry.
Rot can also appear when hardware and fasteners corrode, leaving the wood more vulnerable. It is recommended that while you should seal wood exposed to the weather, do not paint or seal the bottom of the deck so the wood can breathe and release moisture. Conversely, the sealer or paint could trap water in the fibers.
If you want to create a finished look under your deck, consider installing a series of channels and gutters that will direct water away from the underside of the deck. You can have a completely waterproof space with an under-deck drainage system.
What Can You Do To Prevent Wood Rot?
You can use composite materials or seal the wood over regularly treated timber to prevent rot in a deck. However, protecting the wood under the deck is a bit more challenging. You may only look at the beams if you use your deck space often.
The best way to prevent rot is for the wood never to get wet. This is easiest before the deck boards come down during construction. First, protect the top of the joists with waterproof flashing tape.
Additionally, applying joist flashing tape before screwing on hardware can create a barrier between fasteners and preservatives in the wood that reduces corrosion. In this way, the flashing tape protects by reducing pollution and waterproofing the upper part of the wooden beams.