Five Texas Deck Repair Problems & Our Repair Solutions

Every backyard deck is a primary entertaining space, perfect for socializing with friends and family while enjoying a fresh breeze in Collin County and Grayson County. Sitting out on your deck, tending the grill, and watching the dogs or kids romp around is one of the best parts of summer.

Problems such as popping nails and loose railings will bring that warm weather fun grinding to a halt. Those issues aren't just unsightly cosmetic imperfections — they're also dangerous hazards for your guests to dodge. Regular maintenance and deck repair services are essential to get your outdoor space primed and ready for good times.

But what are the signs that your deck needs repairs? Can it last another season? Whether you need a few minor touch-ups here and there or full-depth deck repair, you can rely on quality workmanship and outstanding customer service from Mr. Handyman of Midwest Collin County.

We can do it all in McKinney, TX, and nearby parts of Collin County and Grayson County, including fixing these five common deck repair problems — all you need to do is sit back and soak up the sunshine!

1. Rotten Deck Boards

Wood decks are particularly vulnerable to the homeowner's natural enemy: wood rot. That's because it's a form of decay caused by wood-eating fungi that require a high wood moisture content in order to grow and decking is always exposed to outdoor elements like rain.

Signs of Wood Rot:

• Damaged or decaying timber
• Large patches of spore dust
• Fine, gray strands (hyphae)
• White, wool-like growths (white mycelium)
• Mushroom-like growths
• Damp, musty smells
• And, crumbling, weak timber.

If you notice problems such as texture changes that cause the timber to appear spongy or stringy, or timber that is crumbling apart, you've got wood rot. It needs to be treated before it spreads further and causes serious structural damage.

Mr. Handyman's Solution

The best way to eliminate wood rot is to remove the affected timber entirely and replace it with new, pressure-treated lumber. We'll then paint or stain your whole structure and seal it so it's moisture-resistant.

If the patch of decay is very small or it would be prohibitively difficult to remove the entire piece of timber, we may be able to repair it by scraping out the rotten parts and filling in the holes with epoxy wood filler.

2. Caked-On Grime

Is your outdoor structure covered in a layer of dirt, algae, and other caked-on grime that just won't budge, even when you blast it with your garden hose? All that grime is unattractive, but it's also harboring harmful bacteria that can make pets sick and erode the surface underneath, leaving it susceptible to further damage — such as wood rot.

Mr. Handyman's Solution

We have a tool that's far more effective than your garden hose: a pressure washer. We'll get your deck spotlessly clean in no time with high-pressure water jets that get into every nook and cranny. Pressure washing is a thorough, deep cleaning that will help to prevent future damage and leave your deck looking as good as the day it was installed.

3. Peeling Paint or Wood Stain

When your paint or wood stain is bubbling, peeling, or pretty much entirely gone, it's a sign that decay is on the way. That is why we mentioned rotten boards first; so many deck problems are related to wood rot. Paint, stain, and sealant protect the timber from moisture incursion, and it's only a short span of time before unprotected timber begins to decay.

Mr. Handyman's Solution

Pressure washing isn't just for removing dirt. It's also the best method of surface preparation for refinishing because it can strip away loose paint and stain much faster and more effectively than sanding ever could, leaving behind a clean, smooth surface to work with. Afterward, we'll put on fresh layers of the paint or stain of your choice, followed by a thick coat of sealer so your timber is protected and looks fantastic!

4. Wobbly Railings & Weak Stairs

Grab ahold of your railings and give them a firm shake. If they move at all, that's a clear sign that they need to be repaired or replaced entirely. Railings are often the only thing standing between you and a nasty fall. Even if your porch is low to the ground, a loose handrail can be dangerous if someone leans against it and it can't hold their weight. If your stairs dip down or make a groaning sound like you're torturing them when they're stepped on, they also need professional attention to be made safe again.

Mr. Handyman's Solution

Issues with wobbly railings and weakened stairs are generally the result of—you guessed it—our old friend's wood rot. If that's the case, they need to be replaced entirely. That's not necessarily a bad thing, because it gives you the opportunity to change the style and personality of your outdoor living space with help from our talented carpenters.

5. Grading and Drainage Issues

When you're looking for potential problems, it's important to check the underside for damage as well. Water can pool around concrete deck footings and posts, eroding the soil and weakening the supports that are holding the whole structure up.

Mr. Handyman's Solution

Landscaping changes or just soil shifting over time can cause drainage problems. We'll correct those by filling in areas around the posts and grading the soil, so it drains safely away from the underside of the platform.

Bonus Problem: No Useable Outdoor Space at All

This isn't technically a repair issue, but it is a problem. If you don't have a deck, to begin with, or the one you have could be blown over by the next stiff breeze, we'll build your dream deck from the ground up! Our carpenters can perfectly tailor it to your specifications, so it meets both your needs and wants for the ideal outdoor living space.

Mr. Handyman is Your Best Choice for Experienced Deck Repair Services

Whether you're in McKinney or nearby towns — such as Anna, Allen, or Sherman— you can rely on quality craftsmanship and dedicated customer service from the deck repair professionals at Mr. Handyman of Midwest Collin County.

Give us a call today to chat with our friendly customer service staff and find out more about how we can get your deck in perfect summer-ready condition!