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You’ve brought your patio furniture into the garage. You collected wood for the fireplace. You even have a new set of mittens in the closet. Sounds like you are ready for another biting-cold Chicago winter. But while you are thinking about spending your days inside your toasty abode, have you stopped to think about what is going to happen to your property exposed to the elements?

Decks and fences – especially those made of wood – are subject to some noticeable damage during the winter that many homeowners and business managers don’t address until the spring. By then, repairs could be difficult and a total replacement of the fence or deck might be necessary. Instead of waiting until after the last minute, check out these hazards the average fence may encounter this winter, and why you should schedule repairs before frost falls over Chicago.

Not Today, Knotholes!

As the temperature starts to drop and fluctuate, it is not uncommon for knotholes to rattle themselves out of wooden fences. The result is a hole that looks awfully inviting to termites. Handle any potential knothole issues ahead of time to avoid turning your fence into a hotel for insects.

Filling the Gaps

For the same reason why knotholes may appear in the colder months, gaps between planks of wooden fences and decks can become prominent. The more wide gaps you have, the weaker the entire structure becomes, and you risk a collapse.

Watch Your Head

Snow is not the only thing that falls during the winter season. Sometimes branches take a tumble, too, and cause considerable property damage. Either reinforce your fences and decks near trees now or start slicing up your conifers.

Stand Up Straight

As the temperature changes, so does the consistency of the soil. Some patches may become brittle, dry, or otherwise unstable, and fence posts start to lean. Have a professional inspect each post and determine which ones need reinforcement, repair, or replacement.

It’s Up to Your Knees Out There

Perhaps the main reason you should be considering fence and deck repairs sooner than later is the major inconvenience inches of snow makes for everyone. Even the best crews might not be able to readily access your damaged property if snowfall won’t let up. If something goes wrong and your fence is damaged, it could be a while before it can be corrected.

Looking for friendly and experienced fence and deck installation and repair service? Contact our Chicago fence repair team at Fence Masters today and ask how you should prepare your property for the winter. We have 30+ years of service experience and offer free estimates, so call 708.758.5250 now. We look forward to hearing from you.

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If you’re hoping to take your deck up a notch, it’s important to first know what to look for before beginning any projects. While you may be able to accomplish some repairs on your own, more extensive ones often require the help of a professional team. As a Chicago deck repair company, we can get your deck ready for the warmer months ahead and turn it into a place you truly want to be.

What are the most common areas in need of deck maintenance?

Stairs
If your deck already has stairs, but they haven’t been touched in some time, they should be repaired or replaced. Even one weak stair can damage the entire structure and lead to serious injuries. A complete overhaul should always be taken care of by an experienced professional.

Ledger Board
An addition on a much smaller scale involves attaching a deck ledger board. A house with vinyl siding is susceptible to leaking water from a deck, so installing this board can protect your house and its siding from water damage.

Surface
Sometimes giving your deck new life is as simple as renting a pressure washer and buying some stain. Older decks begin looking worn due to weather exposure, but this problem can be fixed in one afternoon. With a pressure washer, you can eliminate tough stains and a fresh coat of stain makes your deck look like new!

Boards
Boards that are beginning to warp or split thanks to the weather should be treated before you make good use of your deck. Without a proper restoration coating, you can suffer from splinters and other injuries. Restore your deck before a new season of use arrives.

Whatever your deck maintenance needs, Fence Masters is here for you. We have over 30 years of experience and have committed ourselves to put our customers first every time. Why wait? Get in touch with us today to take your deck to the next level!

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With the arrival of spring and the promise of warmer temperatures in the near future, you may have dreams of barbecuing out on your deck. But before that can happen, however, your deck may be in need of a little TLC.

Winter weather conditions can take a serious toll on wood decks and the natural aging process also contributes to the general wear and tear. Fortunately for most homeowners, it’s nothing some time and attention can’t remedy. Before you spend spring and summer days on your deck, use the following information as a helpful guide toward a possible need for deck repair.

Rough Textured Boards

Aging wood decks can be a major culprit for splinters, particularly if yours has been out of commission for a while. The natural glue in the wood is prone to breakdowns and this can cause splits across your deck. If you find this to be a problem on your own deck, it is time to have the surface resealed.

Bubbling Sealant

Without reliable sealant protecting your deck, you run the risk of extreme exposure to the sun and other weather conditions. When the sealant begins to bubble or crack, you will need to strip the deck and reseal it.

Uneven Staining

Although it may be more for aesthetics, staining can also affect the overall quality of a deck, as well. Staining that has become uneven or abnormal should be treated quickly. If you notice moss growth, it is important to treat this, as it may indicate water infiltration in the wood.

Inability to Resist Water

The sign of a good deck is its ability to easily resist water. To test this, just pour a cup of water onto your deck. Water that is absorbed into the wood instead of merely beading on the surface means your deck should be treated before making use of it.

Warping Boards

Over time, the wooden boards of a deck can expand because of temperature changes and water exposure. This can weaken your deck and eventually even lead to wood rot. By taking care of the problem when you first notice it, you can eliminate more serious future problems.

Don’t wait until the middle of summer to take care of your deck! The Chicago deck repair team at Fence Masters can treat your deck with efficiency to give you many years of enjoyment outside. Call us today to schedule your free estimate.

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For many people, their deck is simply an extension of their home. The freedom to barbeque, spend time outside, and host parties are some of the best parts of owning a home with a deck. You probably don’t think about how much you actually value that part of your home until something happens, like weather damage. Fortunately, most forms of weather damage can be fixed with some sweat and elbow grease.

Controlling Moisture & Mildew for the Long-Term

Wooden decks are often most at risk for weather damage and should be treated accordingly. Before you can protect your deck for the long-term, you have to first deal with the problem at hand. Winter weather can be brutal for wooden decks, particularly when snow accumulates for long periods of time. The best time to deal with weather damage is when the snow is officially gone for the season.

To start, use a plastic shovel to clear the snow and ice from your deck. This will reduce the impact on the wood and prevent any unnecessary damage. The snow should be cleared as soon as possible because wood can begin to warp if it is exposed to moisture for too long.

Although tempting, avoid applying any salt or chemical products on your deck. It can seem beneficial, but over time, these products can weaken your deck. Sealing your deck is the best way to combat mildew and moisture.

If mildew developed during the winter, you may need to use a removal solution to remove it. The simplest solution includes water, oxygen bleach, and soap. Apply this to your deck and let it sit for 20 minutes. Simply spray it with water, scrubbing certain areas if necessary.

Finally, it is time to seal your deck from future damage. Consult with a Chicago deck company before beginning to ensure that you are using the right product. Rid your deck of debris by sweeping or pressure washing. Using a roller, apply the sealant over the entire deck. It is important to allow the sealant to dry completely, or you may have to repeat the process.

Repairing a weather-damaged deck can be labor-intensive and many homeowners simply don’t have the time to do it themselves. If you find yourself in a similar situation, don’t hesitate to call the team at Fence Masters! We would be delighted to help you repair your deck and seal it for longevity. Contact us today!

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Weather in Illinois can be extreme, with freezing temperatures and snow in the winter, and the risk of serious storms during other parts of the year. Unfortunately, this can do serious damage to your home and create the need for costly repairs. Because fences are so exposed to the elements, they can be one of the first things to suffer the brunt of the weather.

No matter what material your fence is made out of, it is not uncommon for it to need a tune-up or more extensive repairs at some point during the year. You may be able to accomplish some of the work yourself and in the event that you need professional assistance, our Chicago fence repair company is here to help.

Repairing Your Fence & Protecting It from Future Damage

In decades past, wood fences were by far the most common for homeowners. Today, materials have become more varied and often include vinyl, wrought iron, aluminum, and chain-link. Wooden fences can be most susceptible to damage, but maintaining them throughout the year is critical for their longevity and sustainability.

When you first notice that your fence has sustained damage, it is important to inspect the areas that may need repairs. How significant is the damage? Is it something you can handle on your own? In most cases, quicker is always better when it comes to fence repairs.

Next, gather your supplies. Acquire everything you’ll need at the same time – the last thing you want is to be stuck without an important supply in the middle of your repair project. More serious repairs may require you to order parts online before you begin.

While you’re actually working on the fence, take your time to ensure that no step gets skipped in the process. Consult with a professional if you are ever concerned about a certain aspect of your repairs. At Fence Masters, we have more than 30 years of experience and can use our expertise to properly maintain your fence.

Get in touch with us today for affordable, world-class service!

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