Deck Repair, McKinney, TX

What To Expect From Deck Repair, McKinney TX

When hiring Mr. Handyman for deck repair, McKinney, TX homeowners can rest assured that we’ll complete the necessary inspection to check for any underlying issues. Even when you call for a regular maintenance service, it is highly likely that our McKinney deck repair technicians will detect something that would otherwise go unnoticed. That said, there is a wide variety of deck materials available, of which each has different characteristics and maintenance needs.

WOODEN DECKS

Going to the hardware store is by far the easiest and most cost-effective option when you seek pressure-treated wood. It’s a hassle-free purchase that saves you time because chances are they’re already pre-sealed and all you need to do is install them. But once you have your dream deck, it’s easy to forget about the annual maintenance it requires to stay in shape. McKinney’s annual precipitation is 41.1 inches on average, which is above the nation’s overall average. Torrential rain is far too common in Texas, causing flash floods, uncontrolled soil movement, and property damage. Our McKinney deck repair experts have seen severe damage that includes half-sunken decks or extremely soaked wooden boards that have suffered from internal damage. Learn about the wood types that require seasonal maintenance and what could happen if they are neglected:

Pressure-Treated Wood

As mentioned before, every hardware store in McKinney has it in stock or can order it for you hassle-free. It’s called pressure-treated because the wood has been injected with preservatives and other chemicals that make it moisture- and bug-resistant. Seasonal maintenance includes pressure washing, whereas every two to three years, you should sand the edges and reseal it, or apply a new stain. Otherwise, splinters will develop into deep cracks, allowing water to seep through. Once there is water damage inside the core, the affected board can develop wood rot. Well-maintained pressure-treated wood can last over 25 years with only small repairs required. Though deemed rot-resistant, pressure-treated lumber is not 100% rot-free. As soon as it is removed during a deck repair, McKinney, TX residents can stop the spread of wood decay.

Cedar

Cedar is probably your most natural choice for wood. Not only does it highly durable, but it’s also naturally moisture-resistant and deters bugs. You can also go as far as not staining it, but in order to help you slow down the deterioration process, we recommend frequent maintenance and minor deck repairs. McKinney, TX homeowners will benefit from a beautiful deck for longer. Additionally, cedar is a versatile and an environmentally friendly choice. We do suggest looking carefully at where your lumber comes from during sourcing. Cedar decking can last up to 20 years if you hire professionals for the occasional deck repair. McKinney, TX technicians at Mr. Handyman will resecure your deck posts, check for soil erosion around the footings, and make sure no surface damage is evident.

Synthetic Decks

Before you frown upon this, keep in mind that synthetic materials can be quite environmentally friendly thanks to advancing technology that includes the use of recycled materials. It will depend on where you look for synthetic decking materials. So it’s good to have a list of questions ready for the manufacturer to ensure you choose the right material. Common synthetic materials include:

Composite

Composite decking has gained a lot of popularity in the market alongside wood, often even going by the description of “synthetic wood.” Composite is made of a blend of wood fibers and plastic film, offering resilient and weather-resistant qualities. It barely requires any maintenance, except for the occasional clean. The only downsides are that composite materials are more expensive and don’t emit a natural wood-like appearance. But wouldn’t you prefer something that is entirely rot-proof and can last up to 30 years with little to no deck repairs? McKinney TX property owners who choose composite decking are recommended to ensure their warranty papers include stain and fade warranties.

Vinyl

Vinyl is made of hollow and solid PVC materials and will not give you the wood-like appearance that many homeowners in McKinney crave. That said, it’s customizable, low-maintenance and durable, no staining required. While the overall installation process is fairly simple and cost-effective, one must pay close attention to cutting materials carefully because vinyl dust is not biodegradable. One downside of vinyl is that it’s prone to cracking during extreme temperatures. So when calling for deck repairs, McKinney, TX property owners must be prepared for a vinyl plank replacement. If you protect it well from sunlight, it can last you for over 20 years.

Why You Should Choose Mr. Handyman For An Expert Deck Repair, McKinney TX

Mr. Handyman was founded in the 1990s, and, since then, has grown into one of the largest, top-rated brands in the home service industry. With over 200 locally owned and operated locations in the United States and Canada, Mr. Handyman is committed to delivering quality workmanship and superior customer service. Every service request is backed by our company’s Neighborly Done Right Promise, which includes a one-year labor warranty and parts (depending on manufacturer’s warranty). To restore your peace of mind and build a bridge of trust, we’ll always go above and beyond to meet our customers’ expectations.

FAQs About Deck Repair, McKinney TX

What Are The Signs You Need McKinney Deck Repair?

McKinney TX residents who prefer not to add deck maintenance to their spring cleaning to-do list or deal with exterior seasonal tasks should leave it to their courteous team at Mr. Handyman. This way, you will be ready for the summer in no time! You want every corner and surface to be safe when your kids or pets dash outside.

Any area that poses a safety hazard should be taken care of before accidents occur. It’s not always safe for you to make the investigations yourself, so we highly recommend calling our expert team for deck repair. McKinney TX homeowners who notice any of these warning signs should immediately take precautions.

Wobbly Railing

Your railing’s stability depends highly on the materials used and how well the balusters and rail posts are attached to the rim and outer joists. The moment you rest your hand on the handrail, it shouldn’t wobble. If it is, immediately check for loose bolts and screws. Also, make sure the frame is well-connected to the deck joists and beams.

If the boards appear to be in decent condition but screws, nails, and connectors are corroded, your McKinney deck repair professionals will replace them with non-corrosive stainless steel. It’s important to note that galvanized and stainless steel are safest for pressure-treated wood, whereas cedar and composite tolerate aluminum better.

Damaged Stairs

Decks typically have connecting stairs that connect to the joists. Stair stringers require several 2x6 support beams installed in the backside of the rim joists. It’s worth checking if the screws are corroded as they could affect the staircase’s frame.

Risers and treads create the ultimate surface area, allowing you to go up and down. High traffic and weight can wear the treads out, and the surface may start to squeak due to moisture damage, or it feels squishy when you put your foot on them. That’s a sign of wood rot.

Wood Rot

All types of wood are susceptible to decay, and that includes wood decks. Wood-eating fungi require a high moisture content (around 20 percent) in order to begin growing. The right temperature and oxygen level will accelerate its growth. Since your deck is always exposed to the elements, it may not have adequate time to dry, or your materials have suffered from water damage due to untreated cracks and holes. McKinney deck repairs will determine how much wood needs to be replaced.

What Are The Signs You Have Wood Rot?

• Distinct color patches on material (white, yellow, or purplish hue)
• Flaking paint
• Softened texture: spongy, stringy or webbed with cracks
• Cubical fracture: wood breaking into cube-shaped chunks or crumbling into sawdust
• Wood appears to be shrinking
• Mushrooms sprouting from wood

Plant Growth

It’s very common for grime and dirt to settle on the surface. Although your deck’s overall structure and material appear to be fine, algae growth is still common on surfaces that are exposed to high moisture levels.

During a deck repair, McKinney, TX service technicians will use a pressure washer to clear the surface from algae, mildew and dirt, as well as inspect and apply a new layer of sealant.

What Does Pressure Washing Do?

• Blasts away stubborn stains
• Saves time, so no need for scrubbing
• Clean and sanitary
• Damage prevention
• Prepares surfaces for staining, sealing or painting
• Increases curb appeal
• Keeps you healthy and free from allergies

Backyard Drainage Issues

Your exterior drainage system is supported by trims that include your rain gutters, soffit, fascia and downspouts. McKinney homeowners already know that clogged gutters can highly affect their roof structure, but there is a lot more damage it can cause and nobody wants to deal with costly repairs.

If your exterior drainage isn’t adequately directing stormwater away from your foundation, rainwater could be spilling over and damaging your siding. As the water flows down, excess water will also spill on your deck, leaking all the way underneath.

It’s crucial that you regularly check your concrete footings, especially after heavy rains. See if the soil around your posts has fallen victim to erosion or soil movement as this would compromise your deck’s structural integrity. Pooling water can wash away soil from posts and even crack concrete footings.

Grading and drainage issues need attention from a certified professional before they cause serious damage. That’s when McKinney deck repair services will be the least of your concerns. To avoid expensive repairs in the future, remember to schedule annual gutter cleaning, and exterior inspections and maintenance to help keep repair needs small and effective.

Are Decks And Porches The Same?

Not quite. A porch is typically integral to your home’s foundation and connects to various parts, such as an extended roofed area that is held by several posts. Porches are often found on a property’s front side where McKinney homeowners like to add aesthetic appeals like masonry work, fancy arches or crown moldings. While wood material is often found on porches, cement, stone or brick are also common.

On the other hand, decks are not integral to your house foundation, but you have to build a separate one using concrete deck footings. There should be a small gap between your deck footings and house, allowing snowmelt and stormwater to effectively flow past.

How Deep Do Concrete Footings Go During Installation?

Footing depth must be a minimum of six inches below the frost line, although the recommended depth is 12 inches. Before installation, your McKinney handyman highly recommends having your soil inspected because ideally, it’s undisturbed soil with no organic matter. But this might be hard to come by due to Texas’ sandy loam and clay soil, which tends to move a lot.

Is Vinyl Sensitive To Sunlight?

It is. Heat and direct sunlight can cause your vinyl materials to contract and crack. The best way to prevent sun damage is to install an awning if your deck is exposed to a lot of sunlight.

Is It OK To Decorate My Deck?

Of course! There’s only one thing we recommend for decorations: Refrain from using natural fiber rugs that are biodegradable and hold moisture. If you do, remember that when you clean it, you’ll need to hang it to dry before placing it back on your deck. Ideally, you remove decorative items at the end of the summer and put a tarp over your decking system. This ensures it’s protected throughout the winter, so you won’t be dealing with potential signs of damage that requires deck repairs. McKinney, TX homeowners simply need to keep a strict seasonal maintenance schedule.

Need McKinney Deck Repair? Trust Mr. Handyman!

Let our handyman experts reassure you that you’re in safe hands! Mr. Handyman of Midwest Collin County has a team of experts that has executed multiple deck repairs in McKinney, including surrounding areas like Allen, Grayson County and Melissa. Whether you’re dealing with wood rot or just a loose board, our courteous professionals are here to help business owners and homeowners in McKinney maintain a safe outdoor space. We can also take care of projects such as deck installation, building a wood fence, and even renovating an outdoor kitchen.

Give us a call at to schedule an appointment or speak with one of our friendly customer service representatives to learn more about how we can help improve your deck, porch or patio! We provide fantastic results like those you see below for everything from annual staining or painting to major deck repairs.

While you are here, we invite you to learn more about our other popular handyman services, including fence repairs, siding repairs, and new door installations.