Megan Whitehead – Molder Legal

Decks are subject to a lot of wear and tear. A few minor repairs and a protective coat of stain can keep your deck in great condition.

The first step in any Deck Repair Columbia MO is to evaluate the scope of work that’s needed. A thorough inspection will help you understand what you can accomplish on your own, and what may require professional assistance.

Clean The Deck

Cleaning a deck may not be high on the list of favorite spring chores, but it is an essential step to help you see what repairs are needed. A buildup of mildew, mold, and dirt can hide problems or make them harder to fix. Start by removing furniture, planters, and other items from the deck, if necessary. Then sweep away loose debris and use a power-washer to remove built-up grime. If you don’t have a power washer, mix a solution of water and cleaning product in a bucket and scrub the deck with a stiff brush (one with a handle to allow you to stay upright). When you’re done, rinse off the deck surface using a garden hose. Quickly rinsing helps prevent the cleaning solution from drying on the wood, which can cause damage.

If your deck has a discolored stain, it’s important to remove it before you repaint. Otherwise, you’ll end up with a patchy and uneven finish. You can purchase a commercial deck stain stripper or use nontoxic ingredients to remove the old stain.

A deck’s joists and support posts are fastened to the house with galvanized metal hangers, but these can rust through if exposed to the elements for too long or if they’re not properly fastened. A few rusty screws or nails can pull free and create a serious safety hazard. Check the hangers periodically and replace any that are rusted through or loose.

A joist that’s not securely attached to the ledger can eventually collapse, especially if the deck is loaded with people and furniture. Take a close look at the deck’s framing to be sure that the joists are at least 12 in. above the ground and that their ends are fastened to the ledger with galvanized hangers or concrete anchor bolts. Also, make sure that the joists aren’t warped or cracked from water damage. A professional can recommend a repair procedure if it’s necessary. If you notice any signs of serious structural damage, cordon off the area and call a professional carpenter to evaluate it. Then, if required, install joist supports.

Check The Joists And Support Posts

Ensure the safety and stability of your deck by addressing structural issues such as sagging, tilting, or leaning. If necessary, replace damaged support posts, beams, or joists to prevent further damage and improve your deck’s longevity.

Tighten loose fasteners throughout the deck structure to keep it secure. This includes stairs, railings, and the ledger board that connects to your house. Check for rust on metal components like nails or screws and address any signs of water damage that might require further attention.

Remove any sagging or cracked deck boards to assess their condition and determine the cause of the problem. You may be able to re-seal the boards with a special deck sealant, but in some cases, you’ll need to cut out and replace the boards.

When you’re replacing deck boards, take the opportunity to sand down rough areas on the remaining decking and apply a fresh coat of stain or sealant to match the new board. Staining also helps protect the wood from moisture and other hazards.

Be sure to use a joist hanger designed for your specific size joists, and always sand the nail heads down before painting or staining. This will help the stain or sealant penetrate deep into the wood and create a more lasting finish.

If you discover rot on the underside of any deck boards, cut out and replace the damaged section to avoid exposing other areas of the joists to moisture. This can lead to further decay and damage.

While it is not uncommon for joists to suffer from rot, it is often the case that only a portion of the joist is affected, leaving the remainder intact. If this is the case, the decking can be re-secured to the joists with construction adhesive and two coats of clear waterproofing stain.

If you’re repairing the underside of your deck, it is a good idea to hang the joists with joist hangers that are specially designed for the joists on your deck. These hangers will give you a much stronger foundation and make it easier to secure the decking.

Repair Damaged Components

Decks are a wonderful way to extend your home’s living space and connect with the outdoors, but they can be prone to structural problems. Improper support, inadequate joist spacing and fastening, and weather exposure can cause boards to loosen or warp, leading to splinters, cracks, and other damage. Fortunately, you can often repair these problems without the need for replacement or major reconstruction.

Begin your deck repair project by clearing away debris, such as fallen leaves and sticks. This can make it easier to see any areas of damage or wear and tear, as well as remove potential hazards, such as protruding nails or screws that could hurt you or your pets when you walk over them.

You’ll also want to have all of your materials ready before you start working. This includes a tape measure for measuring replacement planks and a circular saw, which is necessary for cutting the new wood to size. It’s a good idea to overshoot the measurements you need slightly so that you have enough material to work with.

If you find any damaged board sections, first loosen the screws or nails holding them in place with a screwdriver or drill bit on your power tool (be sure to wear eye protection while doing this). Then, use a hammer and pry bar to pull out the nails and remove the bad boards. Afterward, check the joists beneath the damaged area for rot and treat them.

Look for signs of rot, such as dark spots or hollow sounds, on the deck beams and joists. If you find any, cut out and replace the affected areas with new lumber. In addition, if you find any joist hangers that are rusted through, use a pry bar to remove the old hardware and install new ones.

You should also take this opportunity to inspect the ledger board, which sits flush with your home and provides a connection between the deck and the house. Loose or rotting board sections can allow water and insects to penetrate the house’s foundation and cause damage.

Seal The Deck

The final step in a complete deck repair is sealing the wood. Without protection, sunlight and rain can damage the surface of the deck and cause it to split or crack. To avoid these problems, the deck needs to be sealed regularly.

To seal the deck, it’s necessary to completely clean it and to make sure that all repairs have been made. To do so, you’ll need to scrub the deck with a stiff brush or power-wash it to remove dirt and mildew. Then, you’ll need to let the deck dry thoroughly, usually for 24 to 48 hours. Before you apply the sealer, it’s a good idea to tape off areas where the deck meets your lawn or house to protect them from the liquid.

When you’re ready to begin, be sure the weather is clear and warm. Also, test the wood for suitability by pouring water on it. If the water beads up and does not soak into the wood, it’s too wet for staining. If the water soaks in easily, however, the deck is ready to be sealed.

If you’re using a waterproof sealant, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application. Most of these require that you back-roll the area to create a smooth, even coat. To do this, you’ll need one person to push a roller over the surface while another uses a broom to sweep away puddles. Depending on the type of stain you’re using, it may be necessary to apply more than one coat. Be sure to allow each coat to dry completely before you use the deck again.

Both stains and sealants can protect the deck from moisture, but they differ in how. Sealants do not provide any color to the wood, while stains include pigmentation that helps block the sun’s UV rays. Before applying either, be sure to read the label carefully and jot down when it’s time for resealing.

Properly protecting your deck will add value to your home and make it easier to maintain over time. Keeping up with resealing will also help prevent the need for costly replacement of the deck.

Commercial Cleaning Baltimore is a professional service that cleans and sanitizes commercial spaces. Unlike home cleaning, commercial spaces typically require larger equipment like power washing machines and water-fed poles for high windows.

Trash removal, sanitization of shared equipment, and restroom cleaning are just some of the services provided by a commercial cleaner. Larger projects like floor care are also included in the package. Vinyl, linoleum, and tile all need to be cleaned differently.

1. A Cleaner Environment

Cleaning and sanitizing commercial spaces helps maintain a healthy environment for employees and customers. A clean space also lowers the risk of spreading germs and illnesses, which helps avoid costly medical bills. In addition, a well-kept establishment gives off a positive impression to visitors and clients. This makes it important for businesses to hire commercial cleaning services to keep their place of business clean and sanitary at all times.

Professional commercial cleaners are trained and equipped to handle a wide variety of cleaning tasks. They use high-powered cleaning chemicals and equipment that is not typically found in residential homes. In addition, commercial cleaning companies often conduct regular inspections to ensure that their services meet customer expectations and are up to standard. This may involve asking for feedback from clients or implementing new technology to improve efficiency.

Another benefit of using a commercial cleaning company is that they can take care of hazardous waste and other specialized disposal needs. For example, some businesses must dispose of construction debris, biohazards, or old chemicals that are not safe for in-house employees to handle. These are things that a professional commercial cleaning company is trained to do safely and in compliance with all local laws and regulations.

Commercial cleaning services can help protect the environment by utilizing green products and practices. These include reducing product usage and ensuring proper dilution to minimize waste and environmental impact. They can also offer recycling services to reduce the amount of trash that is sent to landfills.

When choosing a commercial cleaning service, be sure to ask for references and do an online search to find out more about their reputation. You can also request quotes and compare prices to make the best decision for your business. Additionally, it is important to ensure that the company you choose has insurance in case of an accident or loss of property.

Sustainable cleaning practices are becoming increasingly popular among businesses and consumers alike. It is a way to conserve natural resources, create a healthier work environment, and reduce the use of harmful cleaning chemicals and substances.

2. A Healthy Workplace

Workplaces are breeding grounds for countless germs, bacteria, and viruses that can lead to illness and diminished productivity. These germs spread quickly and easily, making them a significant obstacle to employee wellness. Regular commercial cleaning can reduce the presence of these pathogens and keep employees healthy, productive, and happy at work.

Studies have shown that workplace cleanliness is linked to lower absenteeism. Workers who feel unwell due to a dirty environment may be more likely to take a sick day, costing the business money in lost wages and productivity. Regular commercial cleaning can help businesses reduce their number of sick days by keeping work areas clean and sanitized.

Germs and bacteria spread easily in workplaces, with common surfaces like doorknobs, computer keyboards, and tabletops being hotspots for transmission. Hiring a professional commercial cleaning service to regularly scrub and sanitize these high-touch surfaces can significantly cut down the spread of disease in a business.

Besides keeping work surfaces sanitary, regular cleaning can also improve the look of workspaces. Dirty workspaces can make a negative impression on customers and clients. In addition, dusty or cluttered work spaces can be distracting and make it difficult for employees to concentrate on their tasks. A professional commercial cleaning company can make sure that your business’s work area looks clean and inviting, promoting customer satisfaction and building a good image for your brand.

In addition to improving customer satisfaction, a clean and sanitized work environment can also increase employee morale and happiness. Studies have shown that employees who are happy with their work environment are more likely to remain at a job, which reduces the cost of hiring and training new employees. Regular commercial cleaning services can ensure that employees are happy and productive at work, helping to reduce turnover rates and reduce the costs associated with hiring and training new staff members.

The benefits of commercial cleaning are clear, but it can be challenging to keep up with the daily maintenance needed to achieve a spotless workspace. It’s difficult for any business owner to ask their staff to spend time cleaning when they have so many other responsibilities. Partnering with a trusted commercial cleaning company can take the burden off of business owners and ensure that their premises are always clean and inviting to their employees, customers, and clients.

3. A More Productive Workforce

Incorporating professional commercial cleaning services allows employees to focus on their primary job duties. As a result, productivity increases, and the business benefits from their improved performance and increased output. In addition, the time and effort that employees would have spent on completing mundane cleaning tasks are saved when outsourcing these duties to a commercial cleaning company.

Moreover, hiring a competent and dedicated commercial cleaning team ensures that your workplace is always clean and hygienic, creating a conducive environment for workers to work in. In addition, hiring a commercial cleaning service with adequate resources and equipment enables them to complete cleaning tasks more quickly and efficiently than your own employees can.

A cluttered and dirty workspace is a significant distraction for employees. The physical and psychological impact of a dirty environment diverts employees’ attention from their job tasks, resulting in decreased productivity. Commercial cleaners create a clean and organized environment, allowing employees to focus on their core responsibilities and increasing productivity.

Regularly scheduled commercial cleaning ensures that high-touch surfaces like doorknobs and light switches are cleaned and disinfected. This prevents the spread of germs and bacteria in the workplace, lowering the risk of illnesses and absenteeism.

When employees are sick, they are not able to complete their jobs and are less productive. In addition, if a clean and hygienic workspace is not maintained, customers may be dissatisfied with the products or services that are provided. Commercial cleaning services provide thorough cleaning and sanitizing of all spaces including toilets, offices, kitchen areas, and washrooms.

Recruiting and training your own cleaning staff can be a costly and time-consuming endeavor. Developing an effective recruitment strategy can help you build a qualified and motivated workforce and retain them for longer periods of time.

Hiring techniques that include skills assessments, reference checks, and team interviews can be helpful in finding the right candidates for your cleaning company. In addition, providing cross-training and career development opportunities enables your employees to acquire new skills and improve their effectiveness.

It is also important to communicate with your cleaning team regularly and provide relevant information, guidelines, and best practices. You can do this by conducting internal workshops and webinars, or by hosting external conferences or expos.

4. A Better Reputation

Having a good reputation is essential to the success of a cleaning business. It helps attract new customers and promotes repeat business. However, a bad reputation can also hurt a company’s bottom line. Whether you have a positive or negative reputation, there are steps you can take to improve it.

Start by hiring the right people. Commercial cleaning companies spend a lot of time and money hiring, onboarding, and training their employees. If they have a high turnover rate, it can be costly for the business.

One way to reduce employee turnover is by having a thorough screening process. Many cleaning businesses hire anyone who expresses interest in the job, but a more thorough screening process can help them find quality workers who are more likely to stick around.

Another way to improve the reputation of a commercial cleaning company is by asking for and encouraging online reviews. Customers trust online reviews more than marketing materials or personal recommendations. By implementing a system that automatically requests reviews from clients after each service, you can increase the number of positive online reviews for your company.

Other ways to boost the reputation of your cleaning business include providing rewards for loyal customers and offering referral programs. By rewarding frequent customers with free services or discounts, you can encourage them to recommend your company to their friends and family. Referral programs can be especially helpful in the commercial cleaning industry, which is highly competitive.

Lastly, be sure to respond to negative online reviews promptly. Customers are savvier than ever and will recognize if you ignore or brush off negative feedback. By responding quickly and professionally, you can demonstrate that you care about your customer’s satisfaction and are committed to improving your business.

Having a strong reputation is important for any business, but it’s even more vital for commercial cleaning services. The right systems and processes can help you attract more customers, provide better service, and keep your current clients happy. By focusing on these areas, you can build a better reputation for your commercial cleaning business and achieve greater success in the future.

Essential Steps For Deck Repair