Decks, Patios, Porches and Docks - How to remove rusted deck screws with broken heads?
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09-23-01, 08:42 AM
Hi,
I have a major headache on my hands and was looking for some suggestions. I built a 16' X 20' deck off my upstairs bedroom in November of 1999 and used Grip Rite Fasteners galvanized deck screws. The problem is that these screws started rusting and I didn't really notice them. I contacted the company and they sent me replacement stainless steel deck screws and I am now trying to replace them. A large number of the heads are breaking off, leaving the shafts in the wood. Of course they would continue to rust and damage and rot the wood. I guess I have multiple questions...The deck I built using douglas fir for both the joists and the deck boards. I bought the lumber from Home Depot and I know all the pieces were not completely dry. I used a latex sealer/primer and painted the deck with latex outdoor paint.
1). The screws that I were able to get out completely, I just installed the SS screws in their same holes. The rust spots left are about 1/2" in diameter. If I sand and repaint over them, will the spots still bleed through?
2). Should I use a plug drill bit of some sort to cut out around the damaged screws to try to get them out. Install new screws and maybe fill the holes with putty before re-painting?
3). Do I need to cut out all the damaged wood from the rust?
4). Is replacement of all the deck boards necessary??
I'm desperate here, any suggestions would be appreciated...
James
I have a major headache on my hands and was looking for some suggestions. I built a 16' X 20' deck off my upstairs bedroom in November of 1999 and used Grip Rite Fasteners galvanized deck screws. The problem is that these screws started rusting and I didn't really notice them. I contacted the company and they sent me replacement stainless steel deck screws and I am now trying to replace them. A large number of the heads are breaking off, leaving the shafts in the wood. Of course they would continue to rust and damage and rot the wood. I guess I have multiple questions...The deck I built using douglas fir for both the joists and the deck boards. I bought the lumber from Home Depot and I know all the pieces were not completely dry. I used a latex sealer/primer and painted the deck with latex outdoor paint.
1). The screws that I were able to get out completely, I just installed the SS screws in their same holes. The rust spots left are about 1/2" in diameter. If I sand and repaint over them, will the spots still bleed through?
2). Should I use a plug drill bit of some sort to cut out around the damaged screws to try to get them out. Install new screws and maybe fill the holes with putty before re-painting?
3). Do I need to cut out all the damaged wood from the rust?
4). Is replacement of all the deck boards necessary??
I'm desperate here, any suggestions would be appreciated...
James
some help
09-29-01, 08:48 PM
Hello
Where you have removed the screws and the wood is stained does not mean the wood is bad just stained.....use a bondo type filler on all holes sand even, prime and paint.....
prime the rust spots with Kilz and paint...you do not have to change out the boards and the stained wood need not be removed...at most you may have to make a repair some day but it will not be for some time if you have found all the problems now.... make sure you have all the spots screws down with the new screws.........Good Luck
Where you have removed the screws and the wood is stained does not mean the wood is bad just stained.....use a bondo type filler on all holes sand even, prime and paint.....
prime the rust spots with Kilz and paint...you do not have to change out the boards and the stained wood need not be removed...at most you may have to make a repair some day but it will not be for some time if you have found all the problems now.... make sure you have all the spots screws down with the new screws.........Good Luck
fewalt
09-30-01, 02:43 AM
James,
If your deck is not covered I'm surprised that your biggest problem is not peeling paint. You should have used PT lumber for your joists and deck boards. I recommend against painting any outdoor project, especially with horizontal surfaces. Cracking, chipping, and peeling are almost enevitable due to the wood absorbing moisture from underneath.
fred
If your deck is not covered I'm surprised that your biggest problem is not peeling paint. You should have used PT lumber for your joists and deck boards. I recommend against painting any outdoor project, especially with horizontal surfaces. Cracking, chipping, and peeling are almost enevitable due to the wood absorbing moisture from underneath.
fred