Calvin Russell – Flying Monkey Photography

Whether you’re doing cosmetic repairs or a serious structural repair, it’s important to hire professionals. However, negotiating terms and shopping for contractor discounts can help reduce the cost of deck repair.

Deck repair is a matter of safety, and simple timely repairs can prevent more costly problems in the future. Fortunately, most home owners can handle minor maintenance tasks like securing loose railings and staining their decks. Visit Website to learn more.

A deck that’s been damaged by storm or normal wear and tear needs repair as soon as possible. In the case of a wooden deck, this means addressing issues like loose boards and rotted wood. Depending on the extent of damage, you might need to replace some or all of the affected boards.

Loose boards are an immediate safety hazard for anyone walking on the deck, leading to fractures and sprains. They can also cause long-term structural damage as they shift and compress joists. In addition, loose boards allow moisture to infiltrate the structure, which can lead to mildew and wood rot.

One of the easiest ways to determine whether a board is rotting is to look for signs of water damage. Some discoloration and weathering is natural over time, but excessive deterioration indicates that the board needs to be replaced.

Another common sign of damage is a spongy feel to the board. This could indicate that the foam core has degraded and exposed a softer layer. This can be a serious problem and should be addressed as quickly as possible to prevent further degradation of the board.

Other signs of damage include cracks in the fiberglass shell and dings that expose the foam. These can be a result of damage from heavy surfers or other activity on the deck. In most cases, these dings can be repaired using fiberglass resin and epoxy to reconnect the damaged layers.

When it comes to particle board, damage can also occur when the boards are glued together. Epoxy is the best glue to use for this purpose as it bonds well with both sides of the board. This type of glue is also good for joining boards that have developed a small crack.

Before attempting to repair a crack, you’ll need to ensure that the board is completely dry. Moisture can cause the board to swell or warp, making it difficult to repair. Using a hairdryer and fans to speed up the drying process can help. Once the surface is dry, sand the affected area with medium-grit sandpaper to prepare it for repairs.

Water Damage

Over time, sun and rain take their toll on wooden decks. When wood becomes splintered, flaking, cracking or exhibiting other signs of damage, it’s time to look into deck repair options. Often, wood needs to be replaced before it starts breaking down further and posing safety risks for anyone walking on the surface.

Water damage from moisture infiltration is another common deck problem. It is possible to protect against this by applying a stain and/or sealant that offers waterproofing properties. But if these protective treatments fail, moisture can seep into the wood and attract a fungus that leads to wood rot. Fungus spores grow well in warm areas rich with moisture, and the rotting wood can eventually weaken or even disintegrate, creating a dangerously slick spot.

Moisture can also lead to a condition known as heaving, which causes portions of the deck to rise and fall like ice floating in a drink. This happens when footings, the concrete pads that support a deck’s posts, aren’t installed below the frost line, as required by building codes in colder regions. If the heaving is severe, it can pull up or even collapse your entire deck.

Termite infestations and insect damage can wreak havoc on a deck. If you notice piles of 1-2-inch insect wings or frass (termite droppings that resemble sawdust), it’s time to contact a local exterminator for help.

Loose railings can also be a serious safety hazard, especially for elderly or disabled persons. A loose railing may fall or get tangled up in a person’s clothing, leading to serious injury. A professional can determine the source of a loose railing and either fix or replace it, as needed.

Nails and screws corrode over time, which can make parts of a deck come loose or fall off completely. Regularly checking for corroded hardware is an easy, inexpensive part of a homeowner’s maintenance routine that can help prevent the need to complete costly deck repairs. Loose nails or screws should be replaced as soon as they’re spotted to avoid potential injury for anyone using the deck.

Loose Railings

Metal railings are a great safety feature on decks, but they can loosen over time. Loose metal railings can be dangerous, especially for children and elderly people. The best way to prevent loose porch railings is by performing regular maintenance. The first step is to carefully inspect the railings and posts to determine what caused them to become loose. Then, you can choose the right repair method.

One common cause of loose wooden porch railings is weather. Prolonged exposure to sunlight can fade, warp, and dry out wood, causing it to weaken over time. Humidity and moisture can also lead to wood rot and hardware rust. Wind can dislodge or damage the connections between railings, and hailstorms can dent or weaken the hardware.

Whether the railings are made of wood or metal, the steps for repairing them are similar. Examine the connections to make sure the screws, bolts, or nails are tightened properly. If the railings still wobble, you may need to reinforce them. Try using metal brackets, wood blocks, or stiffeners specifically designed for your type of porch railing.

You may also need to re-tighten the carriage bolts or screws that hold the railings in place. Wood expands and contracts with the seasons, and continuous freeze-thaw cycles can cause the hardware to loosen over time. Periodically tightening the bolts or screws can eliminate wobbling in wooden railings, but it is essential to follow a routine maintenance schedule to prevent problems from returning.

Plastic or composite railings are less likely to become loose than wood, but they can still become loose over time. To fix a loose plastic or composite railing, first locate the specific area that’s loose. Then, inspect each individual board to make sure it’s level and properly aligned. Finally, use a ratchet or drill to tighten any hardware that’s loose.

Pests

The slightest spill or crumb of food on your deck can serve as an invitation to pests. Keeping your deck clean on a daily basis can drastically cut down on how often you need to deal with pests. Sweeping the wood and wiping down surfaces with a cleaner made from a quart of bleach and a gallon of water will help keep your deck free of insects like ants, carpenter bees, hornets, and powderpost beetles.

Pests are especially attracted to old wooden decks that have become damaged by moisture and rot. These insects will slowly eat away at the materials that hold your deck together, eventually leaving you with a structure in need of major repairs or replacement. It’s important to look for these issues early on so that you can treat the pest problem and prevent it from spreading further.

While you can keep an eye out for obvious signs of pest damage, some red flags may be harder to spot. For example, a termite infestation could appear to be wood rot until you probe the affected area. Luckily, a professional will be able to tell the difference between the two with ease.

Rodents also cause significant damage to wood decks and are a serious risk for homeowners. Signs of rodent activity include greasy trails left behind by scurrying rats or mice, as well as holes in the deck and the surrounding areas. Termite damage can be more difficult to spot, but it’s essential to have any suspected infestation inspected by a professional.

If you have a problem with pests, try using repellent sprays to deter them. However, this can be dangerous for pets and children, so it’s best to hire a pest control specialist who can humanely remove the pests from your property.

Other ways to keep pests away from your deck include putting up netting to cover it, as well as making sure all plants are kept trimmed and away from the deck itself. You can also install flashing lights to deter possums and raccoons from living under your deck, as well as special “bug lights” that emit low-level light frequencies that don’t attract bugs.

Volume

The term hair extensions often evokes images of flowing Rapunzel-like locks, but they are not just about adding length. They are also a great way to add density and volume to your hair if you have thin or flat locks.

Thin or short hair can make you feel self-conscious and insecure about your appearance, but with the help of extensions, you can achieve a fuller, luscious mane that will leave you feeling confident. There are many different types of extensions and methods that you can choose from, so it is important to find the right one for you.

Mal explained that she recommends Tape-In extensions to her clients who want to have a little more volume in their hair. This method is more durable and less damaging than other types of hair extensions as it uses waterproof, medical grade glue. In addition, the small piece of your natural hair that is sandwiched between the tape-ins matches the weight of the extension, which helps to prevent it from weighing down the hair and causing damage.

Another popular option for boosting your hair’s volume is the hand-tied wefts of hair. These are created with true virgin, raw (cuticle) hair, which means that the strands have not been processed or colored and have kept their integrity. The strands are then hand-tied to the client’s natural hair using a technique called “wefting” which creates a smooth, seamless blend that looks very natural.

Other methods that can help with both length and volume include the strand-by-strand technique, which involves attaching each individual strand of hair with a keratin bond or a micro bead. This allows you to create a more customized look, as each strand is placed where it is most needed. The strand-by-strand method can be a more expensive option, but it is also the most natural looking and durable.

Other types of extensions that can give you length and volume include clip-ins, which are fairly easy to put in and take out as often as you like. They can also be very affordable, but they do not last as long as other types of extensions. Another option is to use sew-in or bonded extensions, which are more permanent options that can be worn for months with proper care.

Thickness

Hair extensions come in a variety of thicknesses, and it is essential to choose the right one for your natural hair density and length. For example, if you have fine hair, thicker extensions will blend in seamlessly and look more natural than thin ones. However, if you have medium density hair, you can go with a range of thicknesses to achieve your desired look.

Thickness also determines how easy it is to style your hair. If you have short, straight hair, it will be difficult to create voluminous curls or chic updos. In this case, it’s best to opt for wavy or curly hair extensions that will naturally give you a full and beautiful head of hair.

Another important factor to consider is the weight of your hair extensions. While it is crucial to choose the right thickness for your hair, it’s equally important to make sure that the weight of the extension matches your natural hair volume and density. A poorly fitting set can cause your natural hair to thin and damage the roots, which can lead to traction alopecia, a condition that causes small bald patches along your scalp.

Many people fear that wearing hair extensions will damage their natural hair, but when used correctly, extensions can be an incredible way to add volume and length to your hair without causing any significant damage. It’s crucial to consult with a trained professional before getting your extensions for the first time, as they will be able to guide you on how to properly care for your new additions.

When it comes to washing your extensions, it’s best to wash them every other day and use a rich deep conditioner to keep them hydrated. It’s also important to avoid over-washing your hair extensions, as this can cause them to deteriorate more quickly. Instead, try to limit your washing routine to every three or four weeks, depending on your lifestyle and how oily your scalp is. By following these simple steps, you can enjoy long, healthy, and gorgeous hair!

Color

Hair extensions are a beautiful way to add length, volume and even color to your look. However, they should not be a rash decision and it’s important to consider all aspects of the process before investing your money.

There are many different methods of hair extensions from clip ins, tape-ins, weave and fusion. They can be made from real human hair or synthetic hair. There are also options for color and texture like ombre or balayage.

The right color is critical to creating a seamless blend. It’s best to choose a shade close to your natural color to ensure it looks undetectable from the start. A good cut will also help the hair blend.

Adding highlights to your extensions can be an easy way to change up the look. However, dyeing your extensions should be done with extreme caution as it can cause damage to the cuticle of the hair strands. This can lead to dryness, tangles and breakage. In addition, it’s generally not a good idea to bleach hair extensions as this can weaken the strands and cause them to shed easily.

If you do decide to dye your extensions, it’s always a good idea to do a patch test first. This will ensure that the hair doesn’t react negatively to the dye and will give you an idea of how they will look after the coloring treatment. It’s also a good idea to only dye your extensions in areas where they won’t be visible as it can impact how they are bonded. For example, you should never bleach fusion hair extensions or lighten keratin bonded extensions as it can cause them to break down and fall out. It’s also recommended to use a demi or semi permanent hair dye when coloring your extensions as it will be more gentle on the cuticles. You should also avoid using ammonia hair dye as this can cause chemical damage to the hair.

How to Reduce the Cost of Deck Repair