Maintain the beauty of your outdoor living space for many years. Making time for updates, maintenance, and repairs will help to keep your home safe, attractive, and appealing from the outside.
It is nice to have a lovely outdoor space where you can entertain guests and relax in the sun, but weather and everyday wear and tear can cause damage over time. Maintain your efforts so that you can continue to enjoy your 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 Grayslake and the surrounding areas.
How to Tell if Your Deck Needs Repairs
When you need a Grayslake handyman, make sure he fixes all of your deck's problems. Before hiring someone, inspect for any signs of damage, even if it takes more than a cursory glance. While missing boards and shaky railings are obvious, other issues may necessitate further investigation. You may increase the value of your repair service by going above and beyond.
Stains & Blemishes
Look for stains, flaws, dents, and chipping on your decks and outdoor furniture. They may appear to be minor cosmetic issues at first, but if ignored, they can lead to more serious problems like rot, mold, and water damage. While most stains can be removed with sanding or warm water and soap, dents and chips may require replacement. Staying on top of repairs will help you maintain the aesthetic of your property over time.
Broken Boards
If the planks on your deck are damaged, repairs are obviously required. Weather, rotten wood, wear and strain, and temperature fluctuations are the primary causes of decking aging. Any broken boards must be replaced immediately to avoid injuries.
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
To ensure the safety of your deck, look for any exposed screws or nails. If you notice any rust or corrosion, it is best to replace any old fasteners with new ones because rust or corrosion can reduce the ability of a nail to hold onto wood. Maintain a safe environment because small children and animals are particularly vulnerable to unexpected hazards like unsecured boards, poles, or railings. While rising nails can be removed with a hammer, replacing corroded parts puts safety first.
Wobbly Railings
Examine your deck railings for signs of loosened connections. If you grab and shake them, the fasteners will come loose and must be repaired immediately. This could be due to a loose screw or nail, or it could be due to wood rot. Check any railings that may pose a safety hazard once more to ensure that you, your family, and visitors can enjoy your deck safely.
Wood Rot
Moisture can wreak havoc on any type of wood, including treated wood. It will not be long before wood rot takes hold. A microscopic fungus known as wood rot decomposes fallen wood on forest floors. This is quite normal, despite the fact that it has no regard for who it harms and will eat away at your wooden structures. If you want to inspect your deck for wood rot on a regular basis, 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
Preventive maintenance, particularly in your outdoor living space, can save you both time and money. Keep an eye out for any changes or signs of injury that need to be addressed, because prevention is always preferable to cure. Early problem detection will keep your deck safe for your family, yourself, and guests to use.
Routine Inspection & Maintenance
At least twice a year, you should inspect your property for signs of damage. Furthermore, now is a great time to do 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
Regular refinishing of your deck is required. It should be done every two to three years to maintain its appearance and prevent wear and injury. After a clear, UV-protective sealant has been applied, painting or staining is usually done. If you do not have the time or expertise to handle this on your own, our team is always here to help. Although it takes time, refinishing your outdoor space will protect it for many years.
Hire Our Grayslake Deck Repair Team Today!
Is the exterior of your home beginning to show signs of wear? If you have done the math, it is possible that it is time to refinish your deck or patio. Call the professionals at Mr. Handyman of Orland Park Oak Lawn right now. Our carpentry skills and customer service are unrivaled. We also provide deck installation services if you want to completely redesign your backyard.
To schedule an appointment with one of our hardworking Grayslake technicians today, book online for your free estimate! service request form.