Deck Repair is a fairly cost-effective project, depending on what needs to be done. Damage caused by a downed limb will obviously cost more to repair than if surface rot is the only problem.

When replacing a damaged board, use a hammer and pry bar to remove nails or screws and to avoid harming adjacent boards. Make sure the new replacement will span two joist spaces, and mark cutting lines with a speed square and pencil.

Structural damage to a deck can be incredibly dangerous for your friends and family who use it and people passing by. If the structure collapses, it could crush them. There are a number of causes for structural damage, including wood rot and rusted nails and screws. Some of these issues are not easily repaired and will require a full rebuild.

One of the most common structural issues with a deck is dry rot, which occurs when water seeps into the boards and eats away the wood cellulose. It can be difficult to tell if a board has rot, but you can try poking a screwdriver into the area and seeing if it goes in easily. If the tip sinks in, the board has rotted and needs to be replaced.

Another common structural issue is the failure of the posts and beams that support the deck. This can happen for a number of reasons, from weather damage to incorrect construction and installation.

Other issues include the failure of the footings, which are concrete pads that sit underneath the deck to help with support and stability. Many people build their decks on top of these pads, but when they deteriorate, the deck can collapse. Using the proper type of foundation is vital to the integrity of your deck, so it’s important that you speak with an expert before starting a project.

Other structural issues that can occur are termite infestation and damage, rusted fasteners, and deck framing problems. If you notice any of these issues, it’s likely time for a rebuild.

Water Damage

Few things strike fear in the hearts of homeowners like water damage. It can cause mold, destroy building materials, and ultimately weaken the structural integrity of your home. Decks are no exception and can be a breeding ground for water damage that may seep into your house. This can occur at the point where your deck meets your house or in areas around it.

The best way to spot potential problems is with regular inspections. Taking the time to do a visual and hands-on inspection of your deck can help you catch issues before they become serious and costly. If your wood deck boards feel spongy or soft, that is a sign that the wood has been damaged by moisture and may be rotted.

If you walk on a section of your deck and notice that it feels soft or hollow, you should contact a local contractor right away, as this is likely an indicator that the structure has been compromised by rot. You should also inspect the footings of your deck to ensure that they are intact and not showing signs of cracking or shifting.

Another common area where you may find rot is around the nails and screws that hold the decking boards in place. The Family Handyman explains that water can sit around these fasteners and begin to penetrate the joists below and then the decking boards themselves. In severe cases, you may need to replace the entire deck and also the exterior sheathing, insulation, and wall studs of your home.

Deck railings can also be affected by rot. This is often caused by constant exposure to sun and rain and the aging of the wood. It is important to have a professional inspect your railings to ensure that they are safe for children and adults who may lean on them.

Decks can also be damaged by termites, carpenter ants, and woodpeckers. These pests are able to bore holes into the wood and will create a hollow area in the middle of the board. In addition to causing unsightly damage, they can weaken the boards and make them more prone to breaking. In the case of termites, you will need to have a local pest control company come in and treat the area before you can move forward with any repairs.

Staining or sealing

Staining or sealing a deck is a great way to make it look new and protect the wood from the elements. It’s also a good opportunity to take stock of the wood and repair any loose boards, drive down nails or screws that are sticking out, and replace any that are rotting or warped. It’s best to perform this task while the wood is dry and the surface is still pliable enough to work on. Before staining, don a dust mask to avoid inhaling the fine sawdust from sanding the wood. Start by inspecting the deck for splinters and removing any that you find. Then, use a pole sander and 50-grit paper to rough sand the whole deck, including any handrails or balusters you have. Then, wipe away any sanding dust and let the deck dry completely.

Stains are available in many colors and are designed to penetrate the wood to color it, preserving the natural texture of the grain while adding a luster and protecting against sun damage. They can be transparent, allowing the wood to show through for a more natural look; semi-transparent to change color but allow the grain to show; or solid, covering the whole board with one solid color. Many stain products also offer a combination stain-sealant and will adjust the color, but not as dramatically as paint.

Sealants, on the other hand, soak into the wood and help prevent moisture from penetrating the boards and causing rot. They can be clear or tinted, and some even have a pigment to help block UV rays that cause the wood to dry out, crack, and gray. Sealants typically need to be reapplied every 3–6 months, depending on the climate in your area.

Before applying the stain, sweep the deck and wipe down any other surfaces you plan to stain, like railings or balusters, using a damp cloth. Then apply the stain according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Spraying is usually the quickest way to get an even coat of stain on the deck, but a brush or roller can be used as well.

Replacement

If the damage is extensive, a repair may be less costly than a complete replacement. However, it’s important to check for structural damage before making a decision. For example, if the deck’s ledger board—the long piece of pressure-treated lumber that attaches to the house—is rotted, it could threaten the stability of the entire deck.

If a large portion of the deck has rotted, it’s best to replace it entirely. This is a good time to evaluate the deck as a whole and make any necessary improvements, such as staining or sealing.

Begin by removing the damaged boards, then inspecting and repairing the joists underneath. Look for any rot that has spread from one area to other boards and for any other areas of damage or wear. If you see any, hire a professional to perform repairs and/or replace the affected boards.

Once the joists have been repaired, you can replace the deck boards. When doing this, use the old boards as templates to cut new ones. Make sure the new boards span two joist spaces or more to ensure that the deck is stable. Before cutting, put on eye protection and use a speed square to mark straight cutting lines on the boards or a jigsaw. If using a jigsaw, use a coarse blade to avoid cutting notches into the adjacent boards.

Then nail or screw the new boards to the joists. If you’re installing the boards yourself, drill pilot holes to prevent splitting, especially at the board ends. For added strength and beauty, cleats (also known as “skirting”) can be installed between the joists. These can be made from pieces of 2×4 lumber treated with a preservative, or you can buy them in 12-inch-long sections at most hardware stores.

Before putting the new board into place, examine it to determine whether it has cupping. A cupped board is more prone to rot than a flat board. If it does, position the new board so its end faces up, then fasten it to the joist with 16-diameter nails or 3 1/2-inch deck screws.

Paul Luker

www.cincinnatitreeservicecare.com

Tree Removal Tips For Homeowners

August 25, 2023

Mathew Harmon

Tree Services No Comments

When trees become diseased, dead, or close to power lines or structures, it may be necessary for them to be removed. While professional tree-cutting services handle this task, homeowners can take some steps to ensure safety and efficiency.

Those who do this themselves should use safety goggles, gloves, sturdy work boots, and a hard hat. They should also enlist a lookout to help direct falling branches and trunk sections. In some cases, it may be too late to save a tree and it’s time to call Tino’s Tree Service.

Safety

A lot of care and consideration needs to go into the decision to remove a tree, and it is not always easy to let one of your beloved trees go. They create shade, attract wildlife, and add to the aesthetic of your yard, but sometimes old or dying trees become a safety risk, particularly when they are near homes or power lines.

But the good news is that if the tree is not too close to structures, and there are no hazards present, then it can be removed without much trouble or cost.

The first thing you need to do before removing any large or problematic trees is to make sure you have all the proper safety equipment and supplies. This includes safety gloves, safety goggles, and harnesses for you and anyone else involved in the removal. You will also want to make sure you have a hard hat and hearing protection as well.

It’s important to clear the area surrounding the tree being removed as well. This should be free of any lawn furniture, potted plants, and toys so that if the tree does fall it won’t hit anything. It’s also a good idea to have a safe escape route planned in case of an emergency so that you can be away from the tree when it starts to come down.

Tree service professionals will usually cut a notch in the tree near the ground to direct its fall, or they may choose to remove it in pieces instead. To do this, they will climb the tree or use a bucket truck to access the uppermost limbs. They will cut each limb into sections, and then secure them so they cannot fall into power lines or onto buildings.

It’s generally not a good idea to try to remove trees yourself, especially ones that are taller than 30 feet or within 10 feet of power lines. Not only are these types of trees dangerous to work on, but they can cause severe damage if they fall, and you could be liable for any injuries or property damage that might occur.

Preparation

While no one likes to part ways with a beloved tree, it can be necessary for safety or aesthetic reasons. While many of the details of tree removal are best left to a professional, there are some things homeowners can do to prepare their property for the process.

First, clear the area around the tree. It’s a good idea to do this before the experts arrive, as falling branches can easily damage vehicles or other items nearby. You should also remove any outdoor furniture, flower pots, or lawn ornaments that are within striking distance of the trees.

Another important step is to examine the tree’s condition. If the tree is in poor shape, it can be more difficult and expensive to remove, as the professionals will have to take special care to avoid damaging surrounding property or nearby trees. In addition, a poorly maintained tree can be more dangerous for those on your property, especially children and pets.

The next thing to do is determine whether a permit will be required for the work. This can depend on the location of the tree, its size, and the surrounding environment. If you’re unsure about the status of a permit, check with your local government or look online. Also, find out if the company you hire is licensed and insured.

You’ll also want to find out what the procedure is for removing the tree. For example, some companies cut down whole trees while others remove them in pieces. Some even recycle the wood. If you’re considering hiring a service that uses chemicals, you should ask about the environmental impact of their methods and whether they’re willing to share their safety protocols with you.

Finally, be sure to discuss the cost of the job upfront. This will help to avoid any surprises or disappointments once the work is underway. The price of a tree removal can vary depending on the location, condition, and size of the tree, as well as any additional services you may need. A reputable, experienced, and licensed arborist will be able to provide a detailed estimate for you based on the specifics of your situation.

Equipment

Trees are a beautiful feature of any yard or garden, but sometimes they pose problems such as falling debris or impeding driveway access. These situations call for tree removal, and the best way to get a tree removed is by hiring a professional arborist. Arborists are trained and experienced professionals who know how to safely remove a tree, along with all its branches and roots. They are also able to trim and prune trees, helping them stay healthy and in good shape.

Before you hire a tree removal service, make sure that they have the proper equipment. Tree work requires specialized machinery, which can be expensive to rent or purchase. The most basic tree-cutting equipment is a chainsaw, which is used to cut the trunk and limbs of a tree. Other types of equipment include pole saws, hedge trimmers, and wood chippers.

Using the right equipment for a particular job will increase efficiency and safety, making it easier to do the work in less time. The type of equipment will depend on the needs of the job, such as whether a tree is being felled or if it has to be removed completely.

For large or tall trees, a crane may be needed. These machines can grab and lower entire trees, making the process faster, safer, and more efficient than trying to pull the tree down with hand tools. They can also avoid the risk of workers dangling from dangerous power lines.

Another piece of essential equipment is rigging equipment, which helps secure climbers and equipment as they move up and down the tree. It can include ropes, pulleys, carabiners, winches, and other devices to help prevent injuries and accidents.

Other important pieces of equipment include stump grinders, which are used to grind the remaining stumps of a tree to below-ground level. Stump grinding will usually be an additional charge, but it is a necessary part of the process to ensure that there are no lingering tripping hazards or unsightly stumps left behind. Prepping your yard for the service is also an excellent idea, as you should clear the area of vehicles and anything else that might block the crew’s trucks and equipment. You should also remove any breakable items near the area, such as flower pots and lawn ornaments, to protect them from falling debris.

Stump Removal

When you cut down a tree, the stump likely remains. While it may seem harmless enough, a stump can be unsightly in your yard and is often a safety hazard for children or pets. Stumps are also difficult to mow around and take up valuable gardening space. Stump removal is an essential part of any landscaping job and can be done in a variety of ways. Stump grinding is typically the preferred method, but it can be very time-consuming and requires special equipment. Alternatively, you can try to remove the stump manually or use a chemical. Both methods are hard work and require a lot of muscle and elbow grease, and it is often best to hire a professional who will have the equipment necessary for quick, efficient stump removal.

The most labor-intensive way to remove a tree stump is by manual means, which is typically done with an axe or chainsaw and requires the use of ropes or chains as well as the help of a vehicle. This can be dangerous if the stump is large or if there are deep roots that need to be cut. If you do decide to try it yourself, be sure to wear appropriate protective gear and make sure you have the proper equipment for this type of work.

One of the least labor-intensive ways to get rid of a stump is through chemical rotting, which is done by drilling holes into the stump and filling them with potassium nitrate or sulfuric acid, then waiting for several weeks while the chemicals rot away the stump. This is also the least expensive method of stump removal.

Another option is to burn the stump, but this can be very dangerous and should only be attempted if you are prepared for it to be very messy and hazardous. If you do decide to burn a stump, be sure to observe it from a safe distance and put up barricades to prevent smoldering embers from accidentally burning other vegetation or structures.