Before you get to hiring a Hendersonville deck repair service, it's important to know exactly what needs to be fixed. While you might have already noticed some issues, like missing boards or loose railings, some damage might be harder to spot. If you're taking the trouble to hire a professional handyman, you might as well ensure that all the issues with your outdoor space are fixed during the appointment.
Stains & Blemishes
Stains and blemishes develop because of daily use or even due to the happenings of daily life—like your heavy outdoor umbrella stand getting knocked over and denting the wood. Stains and dents might seem like merely cosmetic issues, but they could actually cause problems with your paint or stain. This could lead to water damage, rot, and mold. Most stains can be removed with soap and warm water or sanded away. Dents and chips might be okay for a while but may need replacing down the road.
Broken Boards
Naturally, if your deck boards are broken, then you need repairs. Usually, wear and tear, fluctuating temperatures, weather, and wood rot cause your decking to deteriorate. Any broken boards need to be replaced right away to prevent injury.
Pro Tip:
Boards that are split down the middle indicate they will break soon. Don't step on cracked boards, and ensure they are replaced promptly.
Loose Nails & Screws
Nobody wants to step on a screw or nail—especially not small children and pets, who are more likely not to notice them. Also, popping nails are a sign that boards, posts, and railings could be coming loose. Typically, rising nails can be hammered back down into the wood. But if the nails or screws look corroded and rusty, it's more worthwhile to replace them entirely.
Wobbly Railings
Loose railings are a serious safety issue, as you or a loved one could lean against them and fall down. The easiest way to tell if your railings are loose is to grab hold and give them a shake. If they move, they're loose and need to be repaired promptly. Likely, a screw or nail has come loose. Alternatively, wood rot may be eating away at the lumber and it could require replacing.
Wood Rot
Moisture has a way of damaging all kinds of wood—even when it has been treated. It's just a matter of time before wood rot takes hold. A kind of microscopic fungus, wood rot is intended to decompose timber that's fallen onto forest floors. This is completely natural, but it doesn't discriminate and will eat away at your wooden structures. It's important to check your deck regularly for wood rot, so look for signs of:
- Splintering, crumbling wood
- Discolored patches in yellow or white
- Soft areas; if you can press a screwdriver into it, you have wood rot
Pro Tip:
Use a flashlight to look under hard-to-reach areas. Generally, patches that don't receive a lot of sunlight tend to be where rot spores first, so it's important to check the underside for damage.
How to Prevent Deck Repairs
The phrase “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” is especially relevant when it comes to any kind of home repair. By taking care of your property, you'll spend less money and time on expensive repairs. This is true for your outdoor living space as well. By catching problems quickly, you prevent worse damage from occurring.
Routine Inspection & Maintenance
At least twice a year, you should walk through your property and check for signs of damage. This is also a great opportunity to get all your seasonal maintenance done, including looking after your porch, patio, or deck. Consider hiring the pros at Mr. Handyman to complete the following:
- Deck cleaning; including sweeping and pressure washing
- Promptly replacing damaged, missing, or rotted areas
- Regularly move deck furniture and planters around
- Fix damaged stains and paint right away
Regular Sealing
You should refinish your deck every 2 to 3 years, depending on how well you've cared for it and what the climate is like in your region of Tennessee. This could include either deck painting or deck staining. But the important first step is to apply a clear, UV-protecting sealant. This is key in keeping water damage, bleaching, and wear to a minimum.
Refinishing your outdoor structure is a lot of work, although it's an important task. If you don't have the time, tools or ability to take care of this integral step in deck maintenance, our team is happy to take care of it for you.
Hire Our East Nashville Deck Repair Team Today!
Is your outdoor area looking a little worse for wear? Or perhaps you've done the math and it's time to refinish your deck or patio? Time to call the experts at Mr. Handyman of E. Nashville and Hendersonville. Each of our service professionals has years of experience serving clients throughout Henderson, East Nashville, Goodlettsville and Whites Creek, and more. Our carpentry skills are outstanding, and so is our customer service. Also, we offer deck installation services as well—if you're looking to revamp your backyard entirely.
To book an appointment with one of our hardworking technicians today, we invite you to call our friendly office staff. You can also reach us by submitting an online service request form.
Click to call
Change Location
