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DIY Deck Repair? Houston Must-Knows


deck repairs Houston

December 2nd, 2023, by Emerson Home Enhancements- Deck Repairs Houston


Decks are a great way to extend your outdoor living space and make for a perfect year-round spot for gathering with friends and family. However, even the sturdiest and most well-built decks cannot avoid deck repairs, especially in the Houston climate, but there are things you can do to avoid having to replace your deck, such as routine maintenance.


If your decking is a couple of years old or more, it likely needs some deck repair. Houston homeowners who are good with do-it-yourself projects can handle some of the most basic deck repairs. Let our professional deck builders help you on the path toward success with six of the most important things you should consider during the process.


What to Know Before Starting

Before jumping into your deck repair project, you must first diagnose the problems with your deck. For example, does your old deck have structural problems from water damage or wood rot? Perhaps some loose railings need attention. Inspect each aspect of your deck to confirm what needs fixing before you begin. This way, you can gather the necessary supplies or hire a professional like Emerson Home Enhancements for your deck repairs in Houston.

Once you have identified the problem, you will know where you need to repair your existing deck or call a professional deck builder in Houston for a completely new installation.

Here are some tips to help you decide.

First, experts recommend that if the cost of repairs starts to near the price of a replacement, it’s better to replace the deck. You don’t want to dump money into a deck that will soon need to be replaced.


Second, keep in mind your deck’s lifespan—traditional wood decks typically last ten to 15 years. Capped polymer decking can have a lifespan of up to 50 years if you take maintenance seriously. Thus, a total replacement is probably unnecessary if you’ve only had your deck for a few years.


But if you have a wood deck that requires replacement, you may want to consider replacing it with composite decking, as the materials you choose for your new deck will significantly impact the cost and required deck maintenance. Since composite decking lasts much longer than traditional wood and requires less maintenance, the higher upfront cost may be justifiable.


Finally, if the problems are structural, you will likely need to replace the deck. While it’s easy to solve most issues when it comes to structural problems, the integrity of your entire deck is at stake, which can compromise your safety.


For those who need assistance identifying whether a repair or replacement is better, a deck builder in Houston can help identify the problems and offer you the most economical solution.


Types of Deck Repair Houston May Endure



deck repairs houston

Several common problems that may require deck repairs are the following.


Refurbishing

Think of a refurbishment as a face-lift for your entire deck. When refurbishing your deck, you or your deck builder will do the following:


Replace worn-out fasteners and nails.

Tidy up the deck’s appearance by cleaning.

Sand or stained areas that need a refreshed look.

If areas of your deck need mold removal, a professional can pressure wash the infected area. Don’t attempt to pressure wash your deck without ample experience. You could create a much larger problem. cause While pressure washing is a labor-intensive process, if you catch mold early on, you can save yourself from costly deck repairs down the line.


Resurfacing

Resurfacing is like a complete deck restoration. You or your deck builder will replace all the major components except for the base. This includes:


  • Deck boards

  • Railings

  • Stairs


Since resurfacing is the most significant deck repair Houston can make to your deck without opting for a replacement, you may also consider sprucing up your outdoor space by adding a pergola or new furniture.


Board Replacement

Board replacement is an excellent solution if the boards on your wooden deck are split or splintered. While you may be able to sand the damaged wood and use epoxy to fill in cracks and holes, depending on the extent of the damage, you may also need to replace some deck boards altogether. There’s no reason to throw away the rest of the deck over a few damaged areas.


Railing Repairs

In some cases, only your deck railings will need repair. However, railing repairs are more expensive because they require additional pieces and can be difficult to access. If you have customized railings, they will be more complex, but not impossible, to repair. If your deck railings have minimal damage, you may be able to patch them. But most of the time, you’ll need to replace the entire railing.


Stair Anchoring

Wobbly stairs are a safety hazard, so you must anchor them as soon as you notice they aren’t secure in the ground. But what if your entire deck is wobbly? For those who want to know how to fix a wobbly deck, you’ll need to call a deck builder in Houston like Emerson's. An unstable deck indicates there may be a structural problem that requires more than a quick deck repair.


It would be best to have a professional assess the integrity of your deck before making repairs. You don’t want to waste money on a repair if you need a deck replacement instead.


How Much Does Deck Repair Cost In Houston?



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According to Angie’s List, the average deck repair cost is about $2,000, and the typical range is between $800 and $3,200. However, many factors will contribute to how much your deck repair costs, including:


  • Deck size

  • Deck materials and delivery

  • Disposal

  • Labor

  • Location

  • Mold or mildew removal

  • Permits

  • Pest control

  • Prep work

  • Site elevation

  • Time of year


Type and extent of repair

If you’re on a tight budget, a deck repair man in Houston can help you find ways to save money on your repair without cutting corners. But remember, practicing regular maintenance is the best way to minimize problems and save you several thousands of dollars.


DIY Deck Repair vs. Hiring a Professional

If you’re looking for ways to save money on your deck repair in Houston and have previous handyman experience, the DIY route may work for you. Cleaning the surface is an easy thing for most people to handle without assistance. But if any of your deck’s problems require carpentry skills or your deck has stability issues, it’s best to hire a professional deck repair company that has the knowledge and experience to get the job done right the first time so you can safely enjoy your deck without further concern.


Even for surface repairs, if you have no experience with home improvement projects, it’s best to contact a deck repair services company. This way, you don’t have to worry about making mistakes or accidentally causing further damage to your deck.


Plus, when you work with professionals, they’ll help you get the necessary building permit to carry out the repairs. For some deck repairs, Houston requires a permit before beginning the work.


In next weeks blog we will discuss six things to know about DIY deck repairs in Houston but if your pressed on time then contact our professional deck repair company in Houston for a free estimate at 281-545-7740.

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