When spring arrives, Tennessee homeowners love to head out to the deck to relax, grill, and have fun with the kids and dogs—and the best place to do that is a backyard deck or front porch. But even though we don't get much snow here, the winter months can still be hard on outdoor structures. These structures are exposed to the elements, and you may discover problems like splintery wood, rotten boards, wobbly railings, and popping nails that make your deck less appealing.
Those types of issues aren't just unattractive. They pose a hazard that could end in injury for your friends or family members, and some types of damage, such as wood rot, can spread to other parts of your house. Your porch and deck should be pleasant, inviting outdoor spaces that are like extensions of your home; if you're reluctant to step out on your deck without shoes on because you don't want a big splinter in the bottom of your foot, that's a strong indication that you need deck repair services from a handyman in Collierville, TN.
But how do you know if your porch or deck needs the help of a reliable Collierville handyman company right now or if you can delay for another year or two? Here are some of the warning signs that are telltale indications it's time to call for deck repair and refinishing services.
- Splintered wood
- Weathered timber that looks gray
- Patches of wood that are softened or crumbling apart
- Boards that lift or shift position when they're stepped on
- Creaking or groaning steps
- Steps that are crumbling or sagging in the middle
- Wobbly, loose railings
- Missing balusters or spindles
- Water pooling around deck footings
Expert Services for Wood Rot Repair from Our Handyman: Collierville, TN
Wood rot is a very common but also very destructive issue for any wooden structure that is outdoors because it's a type of decay that only gains a foothold in timber with a moisture content above 20%. If your deck boards, for example, lose their sealant (or were never sealed in the first place), it absorbs water from rain and humidity and doesn't always get a chance to dry out between rain showers. That's why timber that is indoors and always completely dry can stay in great shape for well over a century, but any wood that is outdoors and doesn't get regular resealing to block out moisture is likely to rot.
But what are the signs that it's time to call for a professional handyman in Collierville, TN? The following signs indicate that you need to make the call to an experienced carpenter at Mr. Handyman for wood rot repair:
- Visible Damage: You want to look for visible signs of damage, which include cracking, warping, and splitting wood. Discoloration is also a clear sign of wood rot, especially if the affected wood is darker than the surrounding wood.
- Fungal Growth: If you have active rot, you're going to notice signs of fungal blooms, which can be white, yellow, gray, or purple in coloration. These blooms and growths typically have a cottony or powdery texture to them.
- Peeling Paint/Stain: Your deck's paint or stain is critical in protecting your deck from wood rot. If the paint has started to peel or the stain is flaking, that's a sign that there are underlying problems with moisture that need to be dealt with and can indicate that the fungus has taken hold.
- Softened Wood: When you touch the wood, if it's spongy or crumbles easily, that means it's begun to rot. You're likely to find this in areas where wood is exposed to high levels of moisture, such as your deck, door frames, or window sills.
- Cracks and Holes: If you notice visible damage on your siding or exterior trim, that indicates that moisture can infiltrate your home. The result? Wood rot. Mr. Handyman can help with our services for siding repair and exterior trim repair.
- Musty Smells: If you can smell a musty odor around your wooden structures, that's a sign of wood rot. You're likely to notice that the smell is much more pungent in areas with poor ventilation, as moisture accumulates there.
- Excess Water or Moisture: If you're noticing signs of excess moisture, such as condensation on windows or walls, that can contribute to the conditions that lead to wood rot. It's important to deal with the source of moisture promptly because wood rot can develop quickly and even spread.
If you're worried about wood rot on your property, it's important to know the most common areas affected. Our Collierville handyman team recommends that you inspect the following areas regularly to ensure that they're in good repair and there are no signs of damage or rot:
- Any area where wood meets the ground
- Fascia boards, particularly those behind your gutters
- Exterior trim joints
- Window and door sills
- Basements and attic spaces
Our handyman team has plenty of experience with deck and porch repair and refinishing. We are familiar with the problems decks and porches often experience in Collierville, and we know how to get your deck looking just as good as the day it was installed. We can also help with gazebo repair, deck installation, and services for other structures or outbuildings on your property.
Aging in Place Modifications
Are you looking for ways to ensure you can age in place in your familiar, much-loved home? Or are you planning on welcoming a loved one with a disability into your home? If you're concerned that your current home isn't accommodating to someone with reduced mobility, don't start the moving process just yet—in all likelihood, our excellent Collierville handyman professionals can provide accessibility modifications that will make your home more comfortable to move around in and safer for someone with mobility challenges.
According to a recent AARP survey of respondents aged 55 or older, 88% consider it extremely important to have access to services that will allow them to age in place in their homes. When you're looking for help with aging-in-place services, trust your local handyman in Collierville, TN.
Some of the accessibility modifications our Collierville handyman team can make to your house are:
- Widened doorways
- Wheelchair ramps and threshold ramps
- Handrail, guardrail, and grab bar installation
- Improve visibility in transitional areas such as staircases
- Lowered tables, desks and countertops
- Barrier-free shower bases and built-in shower benches
- Upgraded drawer pulls, cabinet handles, and door handles
- Flooring installation with a smooth material that reduces tripping risk
