Deck Repair Knoxville, TN

Most cities and towns have municipal regulations for projects like construction and deck repair. Knoxville, TN is, of course, no different. But whether permits are required or not really depends on the scope of the project. If you just need a few loose boards nailed down, there's no need to acquire a permit. But if the repair work involves something like replacing a railing, for example, a permit will probably be required so the city can ensure the replacement meets their standards for safety and appropriate materials.

That being said, permits aren't something you need to concern yourself with when Mr. Handyman is on the job. We have completed many home improvement projects in Knoxville and nearby service areas, so we know which jobs require permits and will obtain them ourselves, quickly and efficiently. That way, you don't have to worry about filling out the paperwork or researching to determine which permits are necessary.

If you notice your structure is sagging downward noticeably on one side (or in the middle), that's a serious problem that indicates there's something wrong with the supporting deck posts. It could be that a post has broken underground and isn't able to properly hold the structure's weight anymore, or that soil has eroded from underneath the footing, causing it to sink further into the ground. It could also be that the concrete deck footings have crumbled apart and aren't giving the posts the support they need. Regardless of what's happening, it's a dangerous problem that could lead to a collapse. The best course of action is to keep everyone off the structure until it's been inspected by a qualified professional.

If the lumber on your wooden deck is starting to develop a gray, weathered patina, it's actually a big warning sign that water damage such as wood rot is in the near future. Wood naturally turns gray when exposed to the elements, but protective sealant prevents moisture from reaching it so the wood doesn't change color as long as it's sealed. Therefore, graying wood is an indication that the sealant has worn off, or it was never there to begin with. That means the timber is taking in water, which is the preliminary condition for wood rot to develop. The next stage of deterioration is when the wood starts splintering, and if you avoid stepping outside in bare feet, you're likely already dealing with this issue.

The best way for your handyman to tackle this Knoxville deck repair problem is usually sanding the timber down to reveal smooth, unweathered wood underneath, and then refinishing it with paint or wood stain and a couple of coats of sealant to prevent any further moisture from seeping into the timber. If your deck is already significantly damaged, replacing the boards with new, pressure-treated lumber is likely the best course of action.

As you may have gathered by now, a lot of the damage that ends up requiring deck restoration is caused by excessive water. Therefore, it makes perfect sense that avoiding damage means keeping water away. That's not an easy task when we're talking about a large, outdoor structure, but there are some things you can do that will help keep your structure in good shape for longer, including:

• Check regularly for signs that the sealant is wearing off, and have it sealed every three to five years or so
• Avoid rugs and mats, but if you need to have them, choose plastic ones that don't hold on to water the way natural fibers do
• Move flower planters, furniture and other items around once in a while so water doesn't get trapped underneath
• Consider calling your handyman for annual pressure washing to remove built-up grime, dirt, bacteria, algae, mildew and other harmful substances

If you live in Knoxville or a nearby part of Tennessee such as Oak Ridge, Alcoa or Hardin Valley, the experienced team at Mr. Handyman of West Knoxville is here for you. Our reliable handyman professionals undergo an extensive screening process that includes an employee background check program, so you can rest assured they will behave courteously and professionally at all times. You can get in contact with our expert customer service team to find out more about our trusted handyman services or to book a convenient time for a service appointment.