Wood Deck Repair Process for Homes in Great Falls, VA
A deck is an excellent addition to your home if you want functional outdoor space. It will transform your outdoor space into a relaxing, aesthetically appealing place where you can entertain guests or spend time with the family. Choose the right materials for building a deck. It is a place that has to handle a lot of foot traffic, so you want durability from the material you choose. You have several options, including wood, which is timeless and looks natural. You also have the option of plastic and composite, but they tend to look artificial, which could impact on the overall look of your deck. Wood deck repair in Great Falls, VA, is critical so that you maintain your deck in good condition. We will go into the topic in more detail below.
Why Should You Consider a Wooden Deck?
Few products in the market can rival the beauty of wood. You get variety and elegance that you may not be able to achieve with the artificial material. It continues to remain an affordable deck building material, although there are some expensive varieties. You will, however, get affordable options depending on the budget you have. You can customize your deck as you wish because wood gives you a lot of flexibility.
Many people will avoid wood, thinking that the maintenance aspects are too much. However, if you are working with reputable contractors, they will be able to advise you on the best type to ensure you enjoy long-term usage. They will give you the option of high-quality wood that is weather resistant. The contractor will also take the necessary steps to apply the right sealants, thus allowing you to enjoy your deck for years. The right type of wooden deck will be able to withstand the extreme environmental and weather conditions, but you must also do your part. You must take the necessary steps to maintain your deck well through regular inspection and repairs when needed.
Wooden Deck Maintenance and Repairs
There are three processes to maintaining and repairing your wood deck. These include:-
- Inspecting your wood deck for problems
- Repairing your deck if you identify the problem areas
- Repairing your deck if you identify the problem areas
Let’s delve into the different aspects in a little more detail below.
Inspecting Your Wooden Deck
It is critical that you include regular inspection of the wooden deck as part of your maintenance routine. You may, for example, need to look out for rot, because by their very nature, wood is susceptible to rotting. Use a sharp knife or object and poke into areas that may look spongy or soft. If it goes through quickly, it should concern you. You should also search for splinters within the wood, holes, and any signs of warping. Pay attention to places such as joists, ledger boards, railings, deck boards, support posts, stairs, among others.
The type of damage will determine the best course of action. We will go into the kinds of wood repairs you may need to carry out on a wooden deck. You can easily handle some of the repairs as DIY projects. In other instances, we would advise that you let the experts handle the work for you unless you have the relevant experience.
What Types of Wood Deck Repair in Great Falls, VA Can You Expect?
There are many types of wood deck repairs that you will need to carry out as part of the routine maintenance. Such include:-
- Anchoring of the Stairs
One part of the deck that will probably suffer from a lot of wear-and-tear is the stairs. It can lead to cracking, splinting, and loosening of the step. You must anchor them properly so that you avoid any potentially harmful situation. You do not want a situation where your guests or the kids get hurt because the stairs collapsed. Let an expert determine the type of repair that you may need to execute. It could be as simple as adding several screws through the boards, or as complicated as the need to install metal brackets or replace the stairs entirely.
- Replacing the Deck Board
Over the years, your wood deck may experience damage or warping that requires a replacement. Let an expert inspect the deck for you so that they can advise you appropriately. You may, for example, save on some of the costs, by merely turning the boards over. In the unfortunate scenario that you must replace the entire board, you will have to take the right measurements to ensure whatever you buy fits in correctly.
- Rail and Post Repair
There are many components to a deck, and one such critical component is the rail. Like any other part of the deck, they will, over time, experience some wear and tear. Your technician should advise you appropriately on the best course of action to ensure you get your rails back in good condition.
The decking posts support the beams and may split or rot over time. Look out for any such-like signs, and also ensure that the bolts, nuts, and screws are in place.
- Popping Out Nails
You will put your deck to a lot of use, especially on the warmer days. You will probably use it a lot for entertaining or spending time with the family. Over the years, there is natural wear and tear you can expect. One common issue is the dislodging of nails due to the expansion and contraction of wood with temperature changes. The foot traffic will also depress the nails, causing them to pop out. It can be very dangerous to leave the nails in that condition, so you will need to do the repairs as soon as you notice them. Such a job may not be challenging, and you can probably handle the task on your own. Ensure you have the right knowledge, tools, and supplies to the job well.
- Sealing and Staining
Wood deck repair in Great Falls, VA, requires that you take care of the effects of repeated use of your deck. Sealing and staining is a critical process if you want to maintain the aesthetic appeal of your wooden floor. The stain and sealer may come off due to foot traffic or the effects of the elements on the wooden deck. You will need to sand down the boards and apply a fresh coat of sealer and stain. It is critical to ensure that you protect it from moisture to avoid rotting.
Your contractor may, for example, advise you to put a layer of plastic below the deck to keep away the moisture. They may also use wood preservative on the underside. If you do not prevent rotting, it will spread to the other wood and may pose a danger to anyone who is standing over the rotten parts. If you do not have the right knowledge to do the job properly, let an expert handle the task for you. Proper sealing will ensure that you enjoy long-term usage from your deck.
It is important to note that even if you use pressure-treated wood, you will still need to seal it. The pressure on its own will not be able to protect the deck from the elements sufficiently. Pay attention to the type of stain you use, so that it does not eventually peel off. Solid stains, for example, may not work very well, and you should, therefore, opt for oil-based stains.
Call Us Today for Wood Deck Repair in Great Falls, VA
At Hal Co, we pride ourselves on the quality of service we give to our customers. You must get the right team to maintain your wooden deck. We have years of experience in everything concerning deck installation and repairs. We source for high-quality material, thereby ensuring that your deck remains in good condition at all times. The best advice you could get is that; you should not wait for the problem to reach critical levels before you call in the experts. Call our team for an appointment and let us handle your wood deck repair in Great Falls, VA.