Asked on May 07, 2018
Standing water on a deck- what should I do?
by
KARYN
Our deck has spots where water stands and won't drain. We have tried cleaning out between the boards, but whoever built it didn't leave any space. I've thought of drilling holes, but don't want to weaken the structure.
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could you pull up the planks, re-space them to aid drainage, and fasten back down?
Is there a gutter up over the deck? that might help to direct the water from the roof to downspouts from the gutter off the sides of the deck.
The only other thing would be to add a roof to the deck in wood with corrugated polycarbonate panels - still lets light through but keeps the water off.... popular hear in PNW..... https://www.google.com/search?q=pictures+of+deck+with+polycarbonate+roof&client=opera&hs=u5Z&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwi2_ZvMgvXaAhULwGMKHTKCAWUQsAR6BAgAEEM&biw=1326&bih=658
drill small holes through the timber
Sharon's advice is the most comprehensive but also requires the most labor and expense. Chrispyjane's advice is the simplest. 1/8-inch holes will not weaken the deck boards, but will allow water to drain. Drill a hole at what appears to be the center of each pool.