A lot can happen during the short winters in Oklahoma. Snow and ice are fairly common and can put the whole city to a halt. If you haven’t completed the necessary winterization tasks, your house could fall victim to ice dams. During snowmelt, all that water could spill over your roof, causing damage to your exterior trims and even leaking onto your wooden deck boards. When you’re done with your interior spring cleaning duties and step outside to clean up the mess winter has left behind, we recommend adding a Tulsa deck repair service to your checklist.
Your local Tulsa handyman has repaired multiple decking systems throughout the city and nearby communities. We are your locally owned and operated business that only has qualified service technicians on the team, who have passed their background checks and drug screens, bringing an average of ten years of experience helping locals maintain their homes.
The Types of Deck Repair Tulsa, OK Residents Can Count On:
There is a wide range of deck types out there and almost none is created equal. It’s also important to keep in mind that materials vary from property to property as well, from wooden to synthetic materials. Each will have different maintenance and repair needs, depending on its condition and how they have been installed. You will likely see your type of deck installation in this section, along with alternatives that might work better for you. But when hiring Mr. Handyman for efficient deck repairs, Tulsa, OK homeowners are in safe hands!
Some of the common types we handle include:
Pressure-Treated Wood
This is by far the most common type you will find throughout the city because hardware stores normally have wood boards specifically designed for deck building. Rather than looking elsewhere for different materials, this is the most cost-effective and convenient solution to gathering your materials.
Pressure-treated means that the wood has been pre-treated with chemicals and additives to become resilient to moisture and bugs. Routine maintenance includes sanding and staining every year or two, depending on the severity of the weather. Checking for cracks and splinters annually is crucial to prevent internal moisture damage that could lead to wood rot. During a deck repair, in Tulsa, OK homeowners may get away with a simple deck board replacement or two.
Cedar Wood
Cedar decking is another common and natural material used for building and that is for a good reason! The eastern red cedar is one of Oklahoma’s native trees and can be sustainably sourced and harvested. Local lumber stores usually have cedar boards ready for sale. One major advantage of cedar wood is that it's natural moisture- and bug-resistant, so staining is not necessary. However, we still recommend staining the surface if you want it to keep its natural shine for longer. Common repair needs include sanding the edges, filling cracks, and applying a new layer of wood stain.
Composite
As a synthetic material, composite decks have gained a lot of popularity in the last decade. Those built ten years ago are most likely still standing, looking their best. What makes it so fascinatingly durable and rot-proof is its ingredients; it consists of wood fibers encased in plastic and other additives that create resilience. While simulating real wood, it’s highly weather-resistant and doesn’t require much maintenance like actual wood. Occasional cleaning with soapy water will restore its original look even after a nasty winter. With all these perks of having composite material, there is one downside—the high price tag. Composite offers a great opportunity to save money on maintenance and deck repair. Tulsa, Oklahoma homeowners can look forward to a wonderful outdoor living space that could stay intact for up to 30 years. Over time, the surface color may fade, or you may notice some splintering grain. Since there is no way to resurface composite materials, the affected plank will need to be replaced during a deck repair. Tulsa, OK technicians recommend that you keep some spare ones during the initial installation.
Vinyl
If you like the idea of synthetic materials that require low maintenance, you might have vinyl decking. Unlike composite, vinyl material is more cost-effective for those who are on a budget. Installation is fairly inexpensive, depending on how much cutting is required on your property. Since vinyl is not biodegradable, your deck contractors need to ensure they don’t pollute your property with vinyl dust. Oklahoma’s heat is usually enhanced by the high levels of humidity. Although vinyl doesn’t rot, warping and cracking are common during extreme temperatures and when exposed to the sun for long periods of time. Installing an awning could help prevent early deck repairs. Tulsa, OK homes whose backyards face south should rethink installing vinyl.
The Mr. Handyman Difference
Our expert team brings an average of ten years of experience providing excellent handyman services for residential and commercial property owners. As one of North America’s leading home service franchises, Mr. Handyman prides itself on having over 200 locally owned and operated businesses. Each location is committed to delivering exceptional workmanship with guaranteed customer satisfaction.
Tulsa Deck Repairs FAQs
What Are The Warning Signs That I Need Tulsa Deck Repairs?
Tulsa, Oklahoma residents who struggle to maintain their home’s exterior shouldn’t carry this burden on their shoulders. Instead, trust your expert Tulsa handyman to handle your outdoor living projects. Thanks to our many years of experience in handling complex projects outside of our client’s homes, we have developed an analytical eye that quickly detects damage that would otherwise go unnoticed. The sooner you call for Tulsa deck repair, the sooner you can enjoy summer and fall without worrying about any potential instabilities. We will ensure every corner and surface is safe for you, your loved ones, and your friends.
Safety hazards are hard to detect until accidents happen. Whether you have experienced severe weather conditions or haven’t stepped out back throughout the winter season, it’s not safe to let your kids or pets loose until you have checked for potentially broken boards and nails that have backed out. If you don’t feel safe conducting these investigations yourself because the surface looks discolored or soft, we recommend scheduling an appointment with our professional team for deck repair. Tulsa, Oklahoma property owners who notice any of these warning signs should take the necessary precautions.
Loose Railing
When you lay your hand on the handrail, it shouldn’t wobble, nor should you get splinters in your hand. Checking your railing’s stability is crucial, especially if your entire deck is built several feet off the ground. Your Tulsa deck repair experts at Mr. Handyman of Greater Tulsa will inspect the materials used to secure the balusters and rail posts to the rims and outer joists. We’ll also check for loose bolts and screws and make sure the frame is well-connected to the deck joists and beams.
Corroded screws, nails, and connectors often go undetected because the rest of the system appears to be fine. Still, your Tulsa deck repair experts will replace them with non-corrosive stainless steel hardware.
Pro Tip: It’s important to note that galvanized and stainless steel are safest for pressure-treated wood, whereas cedar and composite tolerate aluminum better. During your own Tulsa deck repair project, keep in mind that replacing screws and bolts can serve wonders by preventing corrosion from spreading onto your wood.
Broken Stairs
Broken deck stairs are a safety hazard to heavy foot traffic. Depending on how high your deck is, the stairs should connect tightly to the joists. Stair stringers also need decent support beams attached to the backside of the rim joists for stability.
Risers and treads create the ultimate surface area and should be able to handle heavy foot traffic, but over time, the treads wear out, and the surface may start to squeak or feel squishy. This indicates moisture damage and is the first warning sign of wood rot.
Wood Rot
Unfortunately, many wood decks fall victim to wood rot. Wood-eating fungi only require a high moisture content of around 20 percent, the right temperature, and a decent amount of oxygen to start growing. If you consider Tulsa’s climate, you will know that your deck is exposed to these elements. Tulsa’s humidity level ranges between 60 and 70 percent in the high summer, which means that wet surfaces barely have time to dry, making water damage unavoidable. You might wonder if it’s too late to get the deck repaired. Tulsa, Oklahoma homes are in safe hands because our handyman experts will be able to quickly determine how much wood needs to be repaired or replaced. Until then, you won’t have to worry about needing a deck replacement.
Keep an eye out for discolored patches or cubical fractures where your wood breaks into cubes and crumbles into dust. Any spongy, softened texture is a sign of rotted wood and should be removed as soon as possible.
Mildew, Algae, and Grime
Mildew growth occurs when grime and dirt settle on the surface and enable bacteria growth, especially when in a shaded area that doesn’t get much sun. Wet areas will need longer to dry in this highly humid environment.
Rather than calling straight for a deck repair, Tulsa, Oklahoma deck owners should schedule a professional pressure washing service. It’s a high-pressure jet unit whose levels range between 750 and 3000 psi, able to blast away stubborn moss and grime within seconds. Pressure washing is a popular spring cleaning service that Mr. Handyman offers to local residents. It's the perfect tool for damage prevention and surface preparation. Your local Tulsa handyman at Mr. Handyman of Greater Tulsa will still inspect your wood material first to ensure it can handle the high psi level. Afterward, resealing your deck will further protect its structural integrity and extend its lifespan.
Are Drainage Issues a Problem for My Deck?
Yes, it is. It’s important to maintain a healthy exterior drainage system such as high-performing rain gutters. Leaky gutters that are dripping onto your deck not only increase your risks of wood rot but could also affect your foundation if your weeping tile (perimeter drain) has to deal with excess water that’s getting too close to the foundation. This also increases the dangers of basement floods or foundation damage.
That being said, it’s important that you regularly check your concrete deck footings, especially after heavy rainfall. Check if the soil around your posts might be eroding or if soil movement might compromise your deck’s stability. Pooling water can wash away soil from posts and even cause concrete footings to crack. Residents living in flood-prone areas, like near the Arkansas River or low-lying areas, are more susceptible to drainage issues.
How Deep Do You Install Footings?
The depth must be a minimum of six inches below the frost line, although the recommended depth is 24 inches. Before installation, your Tulsa handyman highly recommends having your soil inspected because, in order to build a stable structure, you need undisturbed soil with no organic matter. Oklahoma is known to have sensitive clay soil that reacts sensitively to high moisture in the air.
Can I Decorate My Deck?
You certainly can! We only recommend that you 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. Protect your favorite outdoor space from excess moisture as much as you can.
Do I Build My Deck In the Same Manner As My Porch?
Not really. Porches are usually integral to a home’s foundation, connecting to various parts such as a roofed space held by wooden posts. Porches often have different aesthetic appeals and functions that include concrete floors and masonry work for decorative purposes and enhancing a house’s appeal from the front.
On the other hand, decks are not integral to your house foundation; instead, you have to build a separate one using concrete footings and a deck ledger with a Z-flashing.
Need Deck Repair, Tulsa, Oklahoma? Revive Your Outdoor Living Space With Mr. Handyman!
We'll have your home's exterior looking good as new in no time! When you need deck repair near me, the expert and professional team at Mr. Handyman of Greater Tulsa is just one call away! Our skillfully trained deck builders and repair technicians follow safety protocols and use high-quality tools and materials to inspect and repair any damages they find. Often, our eagle eyes tell us the problem with one single look because we have helped so many homeowners with similar issues during their home improvement projects throughout Tulsa and in surrounding areas, such as Jenks, Glenpool, Sapulpa, Coweta, Bixby, and Broken Arrow.
To book an appointment or learn more about our other Tulsa handyman services, give our customer service team a call at We look forward to serving you and learning more about how we increase your home’s comfort and safety.
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