Signs You Need Belleville Deck Repair Service

With almost a third of the year of precipitation, Belleville, IL residents will make the most of any sunny day they get. Once you are done with your interior spring cleaning, you will likely walk around your property to check for any unsightly winter remnants. Snowmelt may put you in the mood for summer preparations, and by that, we don’t mean planning ahead barbecues and backyard parties; rather, setting up your outdoor living space for success with a healthy deck!

Before you start removing the tarps and sprawling all over the place, we recommend that you take some precautions by examining the surface, especially if you have wood materials that look like they’re still drying out. If you don’t remember the last time you cleaned and stained the surface, now is the time to thoroughly inspect it and check for damages. It may not be easy to look beneath the surface to identify any faulty areas, which is why you can rely on Mr. Handyman of Metro East for efficient deck repair. Belleville, IL property owners can sit back and finally plan their summer events in advance.

When you choose our Belleville handyman services, you can rest knowing that we save you time and deliver enhanced safety and comfort to your home. Our uniformed service professionals are dedicated to honest and efficient handyman work going above and beyond to get the job done right.

Learn About Different Deck Types:

Similar to a front yard porch, it’s crucial to choose an efficient flooring material for your deck that has the relevant qualities to serve its purpose, especially in a wetter climate like Belleville. Luckily, there is a wide range to choose from, suitable for all climates.

Pressure-Treated Wood

This is the most popular type that you will find in most homes. It’s easy to install and fairly easy to obtain at any hardware store. Pressure-treated means that the wood has been injected with preservatives and other chemicals to become moisture and bug-resistant. Even then, it requires periodic staining or sealing to remain effective. If well-maintained, it could last you between 25 and 40 years with a minimum of Belleville deck repair services.

Cedar

Natural wood lovers likely opt for cedar because it requires barely any maintenance, not even staining! That said, it could benefit from sealing to slow down any deterioration process. Cedar is versatile, environmentally friendly, naturally moisture resistant, and doesn't attract bugs. When you take good care of your cedar deck, repair services will be pushed far into the future, lasting up to 20 years.

Composite

Composite decking is made of a blend of wood fibers and plastic film. It's gaining more popularity due to its resilience and enhanced weather-resistant qualities. Composite has a higher price tag than other types but could save you time and money in the long run because it requires only a minimum amount of maintenance and will still be rot-proof. It can last up to 30 years with only minor deck repairs. Belleville, IL homeowners, will benefit from small sanding and sealing services.

Red Wood

Redwoods are primarily found in the northern hemisphere, near the coast from California through southern Oregon. In the early 1980s, they were popular for their characteristics which include fire resistance and bug resistance due to their natural oils and tannins. Many homeowners loved redwood's earthy looks and smell when installed as decks. Repairs on redwood materials are common, marking their only drawback as high maintenance because they are prone to cosmetic damage. Some external forces could easily cause dents and dings, from minor to extreme. They're also sensitive to most metal materials and only correspond well with copper screws, fasteners, and other fittings.

Side Note: When building your deck, you have likely ensured to use durable materials that not only complement your property's layout and design but also have some weather-proofing qualities to ensure they last. If you need reliable advice with an expert's opinion, we will provide you with the best possible routes for your deck repairs. Belleville, IL properties deserve a safe and comfortable outdoor area that owners can call home.

6 Signs You Need Belleville Deck Repair:

Any type of exterior maintenance is easy to overlook unless it's a specific space that you use a lot, especially during the summer months. Any area that poses a safety risk should be eliminated before any accidents happen. We made a list of common signs that require deck repair. Belleville, IL residents, can use these warning signs as a means to take precautions.

Wood Rot

All types of wood have the potential to decay or rot, and that includes timber decks. Wood rot is a form of decay caused by wood-eating fungi that require a high moisture content in order to begin growing. Your deck is always exposed to exterior elements with little opportunity to dry out, especially on rainy days. The situation is worse if your boards have suffered from cracks during the winter because the interior is not protected from moisture.

Signs You Have Wood Rot:

• Distinct color patches on the material. The typically, white, yellow, or purplish hue
• Flaky paint: Crumbly underneath the paint
• Softened texture: spongy, stringy, or webbed with cracks
• Cubical fracture: timber breaking into cube-shaped chunks or crumbling into sawdust
• The material appears to be shrinking
• Mushrooms sprouting from wood

Wobbly Railing

Don't ever lean against anything that's not sturdy! This is easier said than done. You may not know that bolts and screws are loose; it's not the first thing you look at when you step outside into your backyard. But to be safe, it's always a good idea to give your railing a good shake to check if it's wobbly. If yes, check the post and ensure the frame is well-connected to the deck joists and beams. If any screws, nails, or other connectors appear to be weak or corroded, replace them with non-corrosive stainless steel or call your local handyman for efficient Belleville deck repair, during which we'll ensure other parts are in good condition.

Damaged Stairs

The stairs connecting to your deck should have a safe frame that forms the corresponding structural support. The stringers and angled brackets should be made of durable, non-corrosive metals to ensure the longevity of the frame. Risers and treads create the ultimate surface area, allowing you to safely go up and down. Over time, the excess amount of traffic and weight will lead to your stairs wearing out, and the surface may start to squeak due to moisture damage, or it no longer feels solid when putting weight on it. Just like the rest of your decking system, stairs also require staining and sealing.

Grime and Mold Growth

You may find yourself enjoying some quality time on your deck until you start sneezing and coughing. If your deck appears to be in decent shape, it doesn’t mean it’s clean. Dirt and grime build up over time; whether it’s on your house siding or driveway, you may not necessarily need Belleville deck repair, but another service to help you with preventative maintenance that will rule out the need for future repairs. We offer reliable pressure washing services that include a detailed inspection of your deck.

Benefits of Belleville Pressure Washing:

• Removes stubborn stains and other buildups
• No need to scrub for endless hours!
• It’s clean and sanitary
• It prevents future damage
• Prepares surfaces for staining, sealing, or painting
• Boosts your home value
• Keeps you healthy

Inefficient Drainage System

You might raise your eyebrow at this, but your exterior trims like your gutters, soffit, fascia, and downspouts create an essential drainage system, so your home is protected from water and moisture damage. Check if your gutters and downspouts are safely diverting stormwater away from your home. Look at the underside for any damage, including the concrete footings. With all that rain you get in Belleville, it's important to frequently check the soil around your posts hasn't eroded as it would highly affect the posts. If your landscaping has been altered or the ground wasn't properly graded to start with, pooling water can wash away soil from posts or crack concrete footings, compromising the whole structure's stability. Any issues with grading and drainage need attention from a certified professional before they cause serious damage that leads to deck repair. Belleville, IL, property owners will be a lot safer with annual inspections and maintenance.

Aging Deck

If your deck has made it to 20 years, it will probably have seen better days depending on the maintenance it has received in the past. While parts can be saved with temporary deck repair, in Belleville, IL, homeowners might want to consider a replacement.

Your Belleville handyman will provide you with a thorough inspection and diagnosis to identify if there’s anything we can save before breaking the news to you. It is possible to restore and repair older decks, depending on the areas and parts. Specific things we will look at include:

• Foundation: Good footings are built on stones or full masonry piers. Nowadays, poured concrete is more common.
• Frame: Serving as the spine of your deck, the frame will highly determine whether a full replacement is key. Wood rot, corroded connectors, and spacers could be repaired or exchanged.

Belleville Deck Repair Prevention Tips:

It’s inevitable to encounter inconsistencies, but minor repair jobs are not unusual if you have missed a few maintenance tasks. It could be as easy as sanding splintered wood or using a small amount of wood filler to seal small cracks. By keeping up with these responsibilities, you will continue to add curb appeal to your property if you ever think of selling it in the future. Some preventative maintenance tips from your decking professionals include:

• Pressure-wash your pressure-treated wood deck at least once a year and refinish the boards every two to three years.
• During 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.
• Opt for synthetic fiber if you prefer not to invest too much in maintenance.
• Schedule an annual service appointment that includes inspection, minor repairs, and pressure washing services.
• Caulk areas that need waterproofing.
• Check for peeling paint around the structure.
• Check anchors, brackets, and fasteners for rust and corrosion. Exchange incompatible ones.
• Don’t just inspect the surface check underneath.

We don’t want you to feel overwhelmed by these tasks, but we understand that taking care of your home’s interior and exterior is a lot of work. This is why Mr. Handyman is here to take that burden off your shoulders. Detecting certain types of damage is not easy unless you have an expert handyman to inspect your outdoor space for deck repair. Belleville, IL homes deserve safety and comfort, and we will ensure they get that.

Want to Make Sure Your Outdoor Space is Safe? Get Belleville Deck Repair Services!

It's better to be safe than sorry and ensure you have a safe, spotless outdoor area where you can wind down and interact with friends and family. Each of our technicians is highly experienced and has all the necessary skills to ensure you have flawless deck boards, free of damage from nail holes, cracks, dents, and more. Your complete satisfaction is always our top priority, so you can rest assured that our technicians at Mr. Handyman of Metro East will go the extra mile to ensure you are happy with our services from start to finish. Whether you're in Belleville or nearby communities, like O'Fallon or Fairview Heights, we care that your outdoor living space is safe and comfortable.

Hire our Belleville deck repair team today to get your walls looking their absolute best. We invite you to call our courteous customer service representatives to get started or send a service request with your questions and needs. Whether you need Belleville deck repair or drywall repair, our team of experts has you covered.