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Common Deck Problems and Ways to Fix Them

No matter how good your deck looks right now, it will deteriorate over time. The deck is that part of your house where you can enjoy the pleasant weather outside. But it’s mainly because of that, it becomes susceptible to all the elements.

It pays to know about the most common deck problems so you can solve them at their onset. You can keep your deck looking great through professional?deck repair?services done by an expert deck contractor. That’s how you maximize the lifespan of your deck and enjoy looking at the great outdoors for as long as you want. The most common deck issues are:? 

Rotting?? 

When it comes to wood, rotting is almost inevitable. This is actually one of the worse problems that you can have with your deck. When the wood rots, it will literally fall apart. This is what will happen if your deck is unprotected.? 

Rot is unsightly and can undermine the deck’s integrity. Sealed decks may still become rotted so it’s important to keep checking your deck for the signs. Rotting happens if the deck is constantly exposed to water. It occurs if you have gutter issues or if water is funneling into the deck for some reason.?? 

Water damage? 

Water damage is very common among decks, as they are installed outside where it may get rained on anytime. It’s important that wood decks are properly sealed or they will rot. It’s necessary to apply another layer of sealant after a few years to reinforce the deck’s protection. Otherwise, your deck will be damaged by water. Sealants tend to wear off after some time.?? 

As a rule of thumb, the water on your deck should just bead and not seep into the wood. Test it sprinkling some water on any part of the deck. If the water seeps through, then it’s time to apply a new seal. But before you do so, you need to repair any damaged part of the deck, like rotting wood.?? 

Fading?? 

Aside from the seal, the wood will lose its shade or color after some time. The wood will slowly turn into gray as time goes by and when debris and damage start to accumulate. This is more of an aesthetic than a functional problem, but it needs your attention just the same. The problem is easily?remedied by the use of wood cleaners. These compounds will restore the deck’s original color as it removes all the grime and dirt that cause the discoloration.?? 

There’s also a compound called wood brightener, which you may use as well.? However, don’t apply any of these chemicals unless the deck is fully sealed. That’s the best way to preserve the look and functionality of your deck.?? 

If you need to get your deck repaired, it’s important that you call the professionals. They will do everything necessary to restore the deck in its best condition. They can inspect, reseal, and?repair?the deck as needed. Look for professionals who can provide the best services at the best rate.??? 

 

How to Properly Do Deck Staining

It’s important for homeowners to have the perfect-looking decks. This is why a?deck staining?project is something that has to be treated seriously. When it comes to staining decks, it’s important that the end result looks great and that look will last long.?To make sure that your deck is stained wonderfully, all the necessary steps have to be taken. If you can’t be sure that you can do the job properly yourself, then it’s highly recommended that you call a professional instead. The essential steps include:? 

Prepare? 

Take your time when taking a?deck staining job. Prepare by planning your moves. Find all the tools and materials that you need. You should also allow ample time for cleaning and putting away the things you have used. You should also know that new lumber should dry out completely before you stain. It’s also important to start the right weather in the right weather.?? 

Apply brighteners?? 

Applying brighteners is an essential step in making your deck look good. But sadly, this step is skipped more than the others. By applying wood brighteners, you’ll see some dramatic effects on the wood. These compounds are easily applied, and they can make old wood look new again.?? 

Rinse?? 

If your deck needs to be cleaned, you have to rinse it very well. Use as much water as needed to rinse your deck, especially if you have used some cleaning chemicals on it. Some of the chemicals used on wood may seem harmless and safe but they can cause an adverse reaction to the wood when left there for some time.?? 

Use the best tools and materials?? 

Nothing beats a deck that is installed and stained using the best materials available. Look for the best brand of stain available in the market. Use premium products for premium results. This step is necessary if you want the wood stain to last.?? 

Always follow the directions? 

No two stains are the same so take time in reading the label before you apply the stain. With the right information, you’ll always get the best results. The things you should pay attention to are the number of coats you need to apply and how long you have to wait between you apply them. The same goes true for cleaning time and wood weathering.?? 

Don’t overdo it.?? 

Apply more stain doesn’t mean you’ll get better results. As a matter of fact, decks should be stained using one with a semi-transparent shade. These products let the natural wood grains show through. They also allow the wood to breathe naturally, as well as make them easy to clean. But if too much stain is applied, a film-like covering may form. That will keep the wood from breathing properly. So be sure that you apply the amount of stain that the wood can absorb.? 

To further help you with deck staining, you can hire a deck contractor who is an expert on the job. Hire them and you’ll get that perfect-looking deck in no time at all.??? 

 

Questions to Ask a Fence Contractor

Are you planning to install a fence on your property? Of course, there’s probably a reason for that. A fence can offer security, safety, and privacy. Furthermore, it can also add value to your house.

However, before you can get these benefits, you need to properly install the fence. To do this, you will need the help of a professional fence contractor. So, how can you determine if the contractor is reliable or not? The best way is to ask questions.

Here are several questions to ask a fence contractor before you hire them:

Is There a Warranty?

Ask the contractor what type of warranty they provide on their fences. They should offer at least a 1-year warranty for your new fence. This guarantees that the contractor will have to fix it for free if something goes wrong with your fence due to poor workmanship.

How Do You Manage Payment?

You should know how the fence contractor accepts payments. Will the contractor accept a check or a credit card? Do they provide their financing? This enables you to properly plan and budget your fence project.

Do You Have References?

You should ask for references from previous clients who are happy with their fences. Reading reviews can offer you a couple of extra insights into their history. Avoid a contractor who does not offer references.

Will You Reach Out to My Utilities?

Before the fence contractor starts digging the ground, he should contact your utilities. This includes internet, cable, phone, electricity, and water. You need to ensure that the contractor will handle it for you.

Do You Manage Permits?

You will need a permit before you can install a fence on your property. Unfortunately, it can be a little hassle to get them. Ask the fence contractor if they manage the required permits for your fencing project.

How Long Will You Finish the Project?

You should ask the contractor when will he able to start the project and how long will it take him to finish it. A reliable contractor is often busy. Because of this, they might take a while to schedule your project. Because of this, you will need to know what to expect from the timeline. This enables you to plan accordingly.

What Kinds of Fences Do You Install?

There are several forms of fences out there. You should know what kinds of fences the contractor install before you hire him. You are simply wasting money and time if you want something they do not provide. Also, you don’t want the contractor to try something new on your house.

How Long Have You Been in the Industry?

You should ask how many years the fence contractor has been in the industry. It’s always best to hire a contractor with a lot of years of experience.

Are You Insured?

You need to ensure that the contractor you’re planning to hire is completely insured with worker’s compensation insurance and general liability. This is an extremely crucial factor that you should not ignore.

When is the Best Time to Install a Fence?

There are a lot of reasons why homeowners choose to install fences. This includes improved aesthetics for their properties, safety for kids and pets, improved privacy, and much more. If you want to experience these benefits, it might be time for you to set up a budget for a new fence.

However, you shouldn’t hire a fence builder right away. There are a couple of things you need to consider first. This includes the best time to install a fence.

Almost every homeowner installs fences during the summer season since the weather is warm. It is also the season where people spend more time outdoors. Thus, they want to increase their privacy by installing fences. Unfortunately, it’s also the time of the year where every fence builder has the most work. Because of this, it might take some time before you can install your fence.

So, when is the best time to install a fence? Here are several things to consider:

Winter

When it comes to installing a fence, a lot of homeowners avoid winter. However, you can still complete the process as long as the ground stays unfrozen. Furthermore, fence builders will probably finish the project faster since they are not usually booked to capacity during this season. Aside from that, installing a fence in the winter enables you to safely allow your pet out in the yard.

Do Not Fall Behind

Early fall offers an excellent window to finish the project if you are not able to build your fence during the spring. It might be ideal to schedule your fence installation in the fall, even if you still utilize your yard. During these months, the autumn rain and cooler weather make it a bit complicated to install a fence. However, it is still ideal since the weather isn’t as cold as winter yet. Your new fence will be available for the next summer and spring.

Spring

You can schedule installation of your chain-link, metal, decorative, vinyl, or wood fence in early spring. This is particularly true if you can get organized. If you hire a fence builder in February or January, you can schedule the project as soon as the weather turns a little warmer. Usually, this occurs in March. You can guarantee that you’ve got a new fence long before the first summer BBQ if you beat the rush.

You should consider this as another task for spring cleaning. Of course, you don’t want any construction project going on while you’re trying to enjoy your yard during summer. Possibilities are that during spring, you’re also preparing your lawn, yard, and other outdoor projects. Thus, building a fence during this season might be more ideal.

To make things simple, your personal preferences greatly affect when you should install a fence. Fall and spring are the ideal time to install a fence if you do not want to deal with bad weather.

However, if you want to install a fence as soon as possible, then the winter season might be the ideal time for you.