construction – American Fork Deck Builder

While most homeowners can repair some aspects of their deck on their own, it’s best to leave structural repairs to a professional. It is important to prioritize long-term safety over short-term fixes.

A rotting deck is a major tripping and falling hazard. If you notice rotting wood, contact your local handyman for help. Contact Deck Repair Columbia MO now!

Wood rot is one of the most common issues that requires deck repair. This problem occurs when fungi start to break down the cellulose and hemicellulose that give wood its strength and stiffness. When the rot begins, it can quickly spread from one area to the rest of the deck, so it’s important to catch it early. A good way to test for rot is to press a screwdriver into the wood. If it sinks in with little or no resistance, you likely have a serious problem.

Several factors can contribute to rotting wood, including standing water and poor drainage. Fungi thrive in damp conditions, so it’s important to clean your deck regularly and ensure that it has adequate drainage. A slight slope on your deck is also helpful for preventing moisture from pooling.

If you have a small amount of rot, it may be possible to repair it by applying a fungicide and sanding down the area. A professional will be able to tell you whether this is enough to keep the rot from spreading, or if it’s better to replace that part of your deck.

It’s also a good idea to reseal your deck with a waterproof stain to help prevent future problems. Stains will help lock out moisture and fungus, and they can also add a nice color to your deck. If you’d rather not do a full replacement, however, you can use a natural wood cleaner and brightener to restore the original color of your deck.

Loose nails, screws and bolts are another common problem. Constant use and weather changes cause them to loosen, but regular inspections and tightening can stop them from becoming fully dislodged. It’s a good idea to check the fasteners on your deck on a regular basis, and make sure they’re tight.

If you’re concerned about the safety of your deck, consider replacing the boards that are rotted. Even if the rot is only in a small portion of the board, it can lead to a collapsed deck and injury. Replace any rotting boards as soon as you notice them.

Water Damage

Water damage isn’t as visible as a fallen limb or loose railing, but it can lead to structural failure in wood structures like decks. This is usually caused by a lack of regular cleaning and sealing, which leads to water seeping through the boards and soaking the structure underneath. The wood becomes soft and rotten, which can lead to collapse. Repairing and replacing rotted deck boards isn’t a simple task, but the result is a safer deck.

Wood rot can be caused by more than just water, however. Insect infestations, specifically termites, can also contribute to the deterioration of wooden decking. The first step in this scenario is to contact an exterminator to treat the infestation before repairing the deck. Once this is done, you can take a look at the extent of the damage.

While you’re inspecting the wood, check for popped nails or screws. This is a common problem in older decks that haven’t been properly maintained, and it can weaken the integrity of the board and allow water to penetrate the structure below.

If you find a lot of popped nails or screws, this is a good indication that it’s time to do a deck repair. You may not have to replace the entire board, but simply nailing it back into place will do the trick.

Other common signs that it’s time for a deck repair are fading or discoloration. This is typically a result of natural aging and exposure to the elements, but can be mitigated with a deck wash and stain.

Ultimately, a deck repair is only a worthwhile investment if you’re looking to extend the lifespan of your existing structure. If you’re nearing the end of your deck’s lifespan, it might be a better idea to replace it completely. Wooden decks are more susceptible to splintering, cracking and warping than composite and PVC alternatives, so replacing your deck with a newer, more durable material is a smart move. In fact, replacing your deck at the early stages of splintering, cracking and fading will reduce the cost of future repairs!

Loose Handrails

If your deck railings are loose or have a wobbly feel, it is time for some serious repair work. You might be tempted to ignore this issue, but it’s a safety hazard that needs to be addressed right away. Every year, people get badly injured when aging wood deck railings give way as they lean on them, and some of these injuries are even fatal.

Loose handrails might be the result of an ageing deck or a lack of proper maintenance and care. However, the most common cause of loose or shaky deck railings is a faulty anchor point that’s not secure enough. The best way to test this is by putting your weight against the railing and feeling for any movement.

This is an easy fix if you have the proper tools and know what to look for. You can use a drill or ratchet to tighten loose screws, bolts, and connectors on a regular basis. This will help keep them in place and prevent any loosening over time due to temperature changes or weather conditions.

If you don’t have the tools or skills to tackle this yourself, contact a professional for assistance. A trained, experienced deck repair specialist will be able to identify the problem and provide you with the correct steps to take to repair it.

You may also need to reinforce the connection between a deck railing and its post if it feels loose. This could be the result of a weakened foundation, soil shifting, or an older deck that’s simply getting old and brittle. In these cases, you can reinforce the connection by installing extra blocking between the rim joists in a zig-zag pattern, which will make them stiffer and prevent the railing from moving.

You should also check the hardware that holds your railings in place on a regular basis. This is especially important if you have metal hardware, as this can rust or corrode over time if exposed to moisture, UV rays, or temperature changes. You can reduce this risk by using stainless steel or galvanized hardware and adding a protective coating to shield it from the elements.

Loose Boards

While sagging deck boards can sometimes be repaired, if they’re loose enough that you can feel movement underneath your feet or there are soft spots, you may need to consider replacing the entire board. The first place to look is at the ledger board (the long piece of pressure-treated wood that attaches your deck to your home), which can be loosened by rot or weathering and may begin to pull away from the house. The sagging caused by this can be a serious safety issue, so it’s important to fix this right away.

Another sign that your deck needs repair is if it’s sagging in other areas. Check the joists and beams that support the decking for signs of damage or rotting. If you see a lot of damage, or your deck feels wobbly when you walk on it, these are serious problems that need to be addressed right away.

Loose nails can also be a problem for a deck. If the nail heads pop up from their holes, they can be a tripping hazard for people walking around in bare feet and they can also cause cuts if someone steps on them. In most cases, nail heads that stick up are easily fixed by driving in a screw that’s slightly longer than the original nail.

You can also add cleats or sister joists to reinforce damaged joists or to replace joists that have been cut off due to repairs. These can be fastened with framing screws at the locations where a replacement board will go, or anywhere else a joist might need extra reinforcement.

If your deck is starting to sag, it’s also important to check the footings, which are concrete pads that support each post. These can heave with extreme temperatures, which can weaken the deck and potentially cause it to collapse.

You can check the footings by prodding at the bottom of each post with a stick. If they’re spongy or have a soft, crumbling feel to them, this is a sign that they need to be replaced. To do this, you’ll need to build up the underlying structure by adding bracing. For a temporary solution, you can use 2x4s or 2x6s to form a brace that extends from the ground to the joists. Start by clearing grass or stone from the area and then putting a pad of scrap wood on the ground within three feet of the joist where you’re installing the new brace.

Concrete is used all over the place, and for good reason: it’s strong, durable, and looks great. However, it isn’t invincible, and sunken or uneven concrete can be a tripping hazard and aesthetic concern.

Leveling is a repair technique that lifts concrete slabs back to their proper positions, improving safety and curb appeal simultaneously. This guide will introduce you to the basics of concrete leveling and various methods available. Contact Concrete Leveling Dallas now!

Mudjacking is a method of concrete leveling that uses a mixture of sand, cement and soil to lift sunken concrete slabs. This mixture, which is also known as a slurry, is pumped through holes that are drilled into the sunken concrete. When mudjacking is performed, it can lift and stabilize a concrete slab that has sunk due to the ground deteriorating beneath it. The slurry fills in gaps or voids in the foundation of the slab, and the pressure from the pumping process lifts it back up to its original position.

Mudjacking can be used to repair sinking or uneven concrete sidewalks, driveways, pool decks, patios, and floors. Uneven concrete surfaces are not only unsightly and can create tripping hazards, but they can also be structurally unstable. They can cause damage to the foundation of a home or commercial building and may be in danger of sinking further if left unattended.

Unfortunately, mudjacking is not a long-term solution for sagging or uneven concrete slabs. This is because the slurry used in mudjacking can break down from exposure to water and freeze-thaw cycles. Additionally, slurry is not waterproof, so it can leak into the concrete and surrounding structures when it is wet.

Many experts recommend avoiding this form of concrete leveling and opting for a more modern alternative, such as polyurethane foam injection. Mudjacking is a time-consuming and labor-intensive process, and it can be difficult to perform correctly.

The slurry used in traditional mudjacking is highly pressurized, which can be difficult to control and lead to overdoing the job, making it more expensive and time-consuming than it should be. Additionally, it can be difficult to spread the slurry evenly across the entire void under the slab. This can lead to weak spots in the concrete that are prone to cracking and breaking down over time. Polyurethane foam, on the other hand, is injected at a lower pressure and can be spread more evenly throughout the void under the slab. This leads to a faster and more affordable concrete lifting solution. In addition, polyurethane is waterproof, so it can protect the concrete and underlying structures from water penetration.

Polyurethane Foam Injection

A concrete slab that’s become uneven can be repaired quickly using polyurethane foam injection, a process that doesn’t require digging up the concrete. In fact, the repair can be completed in a matter of hours. This method is also over 80% quicker than traditional mud jacking methods, saving you money and minimizing disruption to your home or business.

While mudjacking utilizes heavy cement to lift a sinking concrete structure, the polyurethane injection process relies on dense, durable polyfoam. During the injection process, the polyfoam expands to fill voids and level concrete. The material is similar to shaving foam, but it dries into a solid substance that’s much stronger and more powerful than the styrofoam used in packaging electronics for shipment.

The injected foam is impervious to water, preventing further damage to the underlying soil and eliminating future settlement issues caused by moisture infiltration. The material is able to support extremely heavy loads, making it ideal for applications such as raising sidewalks and driveways. The injection process is also significantly cleaner than mudjacking, eliminating the need for excavation and reducing environmental impact.

The foam is injected through small holes that are drilled in the affected concrete area. The resulting voids are then filled with the liquid, expanding and restoring the structural integrity of the slab. Once the voids are filled, the technicians grout the small holes, which can be done immediately after the injection. The high-density polyurethane will harden and set in a matter of minutes, allowing the slab to be fully used shortly after the procedure is complete.

Unlike mudjacking, polyurethane is free of CFCs and HCFCs. It is also odorless, resistant to mildew, and stable against tree roots. Because of its ability to withstand the weight of vehicles and people, it is also an ideal option for lifting and stabilizing airport runways. This material is also ideal for leveling concrete walkways, patios, and driveways as well as sealing cracks and improving the energy efficiency of the structure. It can even be used to level concrete for bridge decks and roadways. Its durability and speed make it an attractive alternative to more costly replacement options.

Stone Slurry Grout Leveling

Concrete is one of the strongest and most durable building materials around, but it’s not indestructible. It’s subject to a lot of wear and tear over time, which is why it’s important to seek concrete repair services as soon as you notice sinking or uneven concrete surfaces. These repairs are relatively quick and cost-effective, and they’re a great option for avoiding further damage and eliminating dangerous trip hazards from your property.

Depending on the severity of the issue, different methods of concrete leveling may be appropriate for your property. For instance, small surface-level cracks might only need cosmetic repairs, while severely damaged or crumbling concrete could require replacement. A professional will evaluate your concrete to determine the best solution for your home and budget.

Mudjacking is a method of concrete leveling that uses a mixture of crushed stones (primarily limestone) and water to lift sunken concrete. The process is complex, and it’s not recommended that homeowners attempt this DIY project without the proper knowledge and tools. Not only can mudjacking damage the existing concrete, but it can also cause additional structural issues with the surrounding soil.

Polyurethane foam injection is a modern concrete leveling technique that can be installed quickly and effectively. During this process, penny-sized holes are drilled into the sunken concrete. A specialized tool is then used to inject the polyurethane foam, which fills the crevices and voids beneath the slab and presses it back into place. The foam is able to cure within about 30 minutes and offers incredible strength for the concrete, while being environmentally friendly.

Leveling is more affordable than replacing the entire slab, and it’s much quicker. The repair method also eliminates the need for tearing out and disposing of old concrete, which is good for the environment and cuts down on construction waste. For these reasons, it’s often considered a more sustainable solution than concrete replacement.

Consult a Professional

Concrete is a popular construction material for a reason: it’s durable and versatile. But even the strongest concrete is susceptible to damage, and this damage can lead to sinking, unevenness, and tripping hazards. Fortunately, these problems can be fixed with concrete leveling, which lifts sunken concrete back to its original position and improves safety, functionality, and aesthetics. However, it is important to consult with experts to determine whether this repair method is appropriate for your home.

Uneven concrete surfaces can cause serious harm to your property, both structurally and financially. They can also present a tripping hazard, especially for children and elderly individuals. Regularly traversing uneven surfaces can also damage vehicles, leading to costly repairs down the line. Concrete leveling techniques, such as PolyRenewal, are a cost-effective solution that can solve these issues and restore your concrete surfaces to their original condition.

While concrete leveling can be effective, it is important to know its limitations. This type of repair is best suited for small to medium cracks that have not yet grown wider. However, if the cracks have grown larger, you should consider calling in a professional for an inspection. If your concrete has sustained severe damages, such as large voids or complete collapse, it is likely not salvageable with leveling methods.

The cost of concrete leveling can vary greatly, influenced by the size of the area, the severity of the damage, the chosen repair method, and the scope of the work needed. It is best to obtain estimates from reputable companies that will perform a thorough inspection and provide a quote tailored to your specific repair needs.

Having your concrete repaired by professionals is an affordable and quick option to fix uneven or sinking surfaces, such as driveways, sidewalks, pool decks, and patios. Compared to replacing the entire slab, concrete leveling is an affordable and more efficient repair approach. Contact a trusted concrete contractor today to learn more about this repair technique and see if it is right for you!

Why You Should Leave Deck Repair to the Pros