Despite the many benefits, like its durability, low maintenance, and waterproofing capabilities, vinyl decking repairs and patches can be more difficult than wood or composite deck repairs. Unlike these plank-style decks, where you can simply replace a damaged piece or section, vinyl decking is a walkable waterproof membrane. This makes removing or replacing a damaged section more complicated by Deck Contractors. Luckily, with years of experience, vinyl experts have developed several options to effectively repair vinyl decking:
Repair Vinyl Decking With A New Section
When your vinyl deck is damaged, rather than tearing out and replacing the entire membrane, you can heat-weld a small piece of vinyl over holes, cuts, or discolorations. To create an effective patch, you’ll need a length of vinyl that matches the pattern of your existing deck.
Cut the section square, leaving at least 1” of room between any holes and the edge of the patch when laid over top. Make sure the surface is clean and dry before applying glue and using a heat gun to weld the edges of the patch to the existing vinyl deck.
When to install a new section to repair a vinyl deck
When you’re not worried about the aesthetic impact of a patch in your deck, and if the deck isn’t over the living space, replacing a section of your vinyl could be the best option for you. Especially when your deck has been damaged by burn holes from barbecues or cigarettes and tears from patio furniture or tools, installing a new section of vinyl can be the most economical and effective solution.
How To Repair Vinyl Floors
Vinyl flooring is one of the most affordable and durable types of flooring on the market today. Vinyl flooring comes in a wide range of colors, patterns, and thicknesses. Depending on your choice of style, it may, in fact, go out of style before your vinyl flooring wears out. Although vinyl flooring is durable, it is not indestructible. Sometimes dents from dropped cans, tears from bar stools or chairs, and high heels can make an impact on vinyl flooring. Follow the instructions below to repair a tear or a small portion of the vinyl flooring.
- Assess the damage. If the cut is small, it will require a much shorter and easier method to fix it than if you have to replace a lot of older vinyl with newer vinyl. so you must call experts at Deck Repair in Los Angeles. Place a small piece of vinyl flooring on top of the torn vinyl ensuring that both pieces are lined up line for line or pattern by pattern.
- Place a small piece of vinyl flooring on top of the torn vinyl ensuring that both pieces are lined up line for line or pattern by pattern.
- Take a utility knife and cut through both pieces. Make sure your new piece matches the old piece exactly the way it was laid down before. The key to patching is to not let people know it’s a patch.
- Remove the damaged section with a putty knife or scraper if it has been glued down.
- Use a notched trowel to spread the vinyl adhesive onto the plywood subfloor and underneath the edges around the perimeter you removed.
- Press the patch into place ensuring it matches exactly.
- Cover the new patch with a piece of wax paper.
- Place heavy flat objects such as books on top of the repair. This will ensure the tile is adhering to the subfloor.
- Allow the patch to dry for 24 hours before applying liquid seam sealer around the perimeter of the patch. If done correctly, the repair will be nearly undetectable.
5 Signs That It's Time To Replace Or Repair Your Deck
Your deck will take a lot of abuse in its lifetime. Many decks can last for decades before you need to replace them, but you may need to make repairs much sooner than that. Here are five signs that it’s time to repair or replace your deck.
Obvious Damage To The Wood
Wood can become damaged by the elements, insects, and from use over the years. Cracks in the wood, broken boards or holes from termites or other boring insects mean it’s time to replace the damaged wood and make your deck sturdy once again. Wood that ‘gives’ or shifts underfoot should be evaluated for replacement. Your deck should be sturdy and strong, not wobbly or weak.
Rot In The Wood
If you see even one spot of rot in your wooden deck, you need to carefully inspect the entire thing. Wood rot can creep up quickly and seriously destabilize your deck. Replace the rotten wood and be sure to use a quality wood sealant to prevent future incidents.
Rusted Fixtures And Fittings
Look underneath your deck to make sure that the fixtures and fittings holding it all together are still in good shape. If your deck is several decades old, these can be weakened by age and the elements. This can weaken your deck’s structural stability and be a hazard for you and your family. Replace any broken or rusted fittings as you find them.