Maintain the beauty of your outdoor living space for many years to come. Making time for updates, maintenance, and repairs will help to ensure that your home is secure, attractive, and has a lot of curb appeal.
It is satisfying to have a wonderful outdoor area where you can host barbecues for friends and family and enjoy the sunshine, but weather and everyday wear and tear can cause damage over time. Maintain it so that you can continue to enjoy spending time outside.
To help keep your space looking and functioning at its best, the team at Mr. Handyman offers professional patio and deck repair in Fort Myers and the surrounding areas.
Does your Fort Myers deck or patio need some attention? Book with us online now!
How to Tell if Your Deck Needs Repairs
When you need a handyman in Fort Myers, make sure he fixes your deck's problems. Take the time to inspect any signs of damage before hiring someone, even if it requires more than a cursory glance. While missing boards and shaky railings are obvious, other issues may necessitate further investigation. Increase the value of your repair service by going above and beyond.
Stains & Blemishes
Inspect your outdoor furniture and decks for stains, flaws, dents, and chipping. They may appear to be minor cosmetic issues initially, but if left unattended, they can progress to more serious problems such as rot, mold, and water damage. While most stains can be removed with warm water and soap or sanding, dents, and chips may require replacement. You can maintain the aesthetic of your property over time by staying on top of repairs.
Broken Boards
Repairs are required if your deck's planks are damaged. The main causes of decking aging are weather, rotten wood, wear and strain, and temperature variations. To avoid injuries, any broken boards must be replaced right away.
Pro Tip:
Boards that are split down the middle are likely to break soon. Avoid stepping on cracked boards and replace them as soon as possible.
Loose Nails & Screws
Examine your deck for any exposed screws or nails to ensure its safety. If you notice any rust or corrosion, it is best to replace any old fasteners with new ones because rust or corrosion can make a nail-less effective at holding onto wood. Maintain a safe environment because small children and animals are especially vulnerable to unexpected hazards such as unsecured boards, poles, or railings. While a hammer can remove rising nails, replacing corroded parts prioritizes safety.
Wobbly Railings
Check your deck railings for signs of loosened connections. If you grab and shake them, the fasteners will come loose, and they will need to be repaired right away. This could be because of a loose screw or nail or because wood rot has destroyed the lumber. Check any railings that could pose a safety risk again to ensure you, your family, and your guests can enjoy your deck safely.
Wood Rot
Moisture can wreak havoc on any type of wood, even if it has been treated. It will not be long before wood rot sets in. Wood rot is a microscopic fungus that decomposes fallen wood on forest floors. This is quite normal, even though it has no regard for who it harms and will eat away at your wooden structures. If you want to check your deck for wood rot regularly, look for the following signs:
- 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:
Look under hard-to-reach areas with a flashlight. In general, rot spores appear first in patches that do not receive a lot of sunlight, so inspect the underside for damage.
How to Prevent Deck Repairs
You may save time and money by performing preventative maintenance, particularly on your outdoor living space. Keep an eye out for any changes or signs of injury that must be addressed, because prevention is always preferable to cure. Early detection of problems will keep your deck safe for your family, yourself, and guests.
Routine Inspection & Maintenance
You should inspect your property for signs of damage at least twice a year. Additionally, now is an excellent time to complete any seasonal maintenance, such as cleaning your deck, patio, or porch. Consider hiring Mr. Handyman's experts for the following tasks:
- 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
Your deck will need to be refinished regularly. It should be done every two to three years to keep it looking good and to prevent wear and injury. Most frequently, painting or staining comes after applying a clear, UV-protective sealant. If you lack the time or expertise to handle this independently, our team can always assist. Although refinishing is time-consuming, it will protect your outdoor space for many years.
Hire Our Fort Myers Deck Repair Team Today!
Is the exterior of your home beginning to show signs of wear and tear? If you have done the calculations, it may be time to refinish your deck or patio. Call the professionals at Mr. Handyman of Fort Myers and Bonita Springs. Our carpentry abilities are exceptional, as is our customer service. If you want to redesign your backyard completely, we also offer deck installation services.
To schedule an appointment with one of our hardworking Fort Myers technicians today, book online for your free estimate! service request form.