Top-Rated Deck Builders in Fredericksburg VA

• agging Joists – Add additional joist hangers or sistering boards.
• Rotting Support Posts – Replace rotted posts with pressure-treated or composite materials.
• Improperly Installed Ledger Board – Ensure it's properly bolted to the house, with flashing to prevent water damage.
• Deck is Not Level – Check post alignment and reinforce footing supports.
• Creaking Sounds When Walking – Secure loose boards and joists with additional screws.
• Gaps Between Deck Boards Are Too Large – Fill small gaps with wood filler or replace boards.
• Deck Boards Are Too Close Together – Remove and reposition boards to allow proper drainage.
• Stairs Are Not Even – Re-cut and level stair stringers.
• Loose or Missing Screws – Replace with corrosion-resistant screws.
• Overloaded Deck Causing Sagging – Check the weight capacity and reinforce support beams.
• Deck Moves When You Walk on It – Add additional bracing between joists.
• Ledger Board Pulling Away from House – Reattach with proper lag bolts and flashing.
• Posts Leaning – Reinforce footing or replace post brackets.
• Cracked or Warped Joists – Replace with new pressure-treated joists.
• Rusting Hardware – Replace with galvanized or stainless steel fasteners.
• Piers or Footings Settling Unevenly – Adjust or add new concrete footings.
• Handrail Too Low for Code Compliance – Raise and reinstall at the proper height (minimum 36”).
• Deck Collapsing Due to Poor Construction – Consult a professional and rebuild unsafe sections.

• Deck Boards Fading from Sun Exposure – Apply UV-resistant stain or sealant.
• Wood Deck Warping from Heat – Use deck board spacers for expansion gaps.
• Mold and Mildew Growth – Clean with a mixture of vinegar and water or specialized deck cleaner.
• Slippery Deck in Rain – Use non-slip coating or install anti-slip strips.
• Water Pooling on Deck Surface – Ensure proper slope and drainage.
• Deck Expands and Contracts Too Much – Leave proper spacing between boards.
• Snow and Ice Buildup – Use a plastic shovel and apply sand or salt alternatives.
• Heavy Rain Causing Water Damage – Improve drainage and apply waterproof sealant.
• Pests Like Termites or Carpenter Ants – Treat with borate-based pesticides or replace infested wood.
• Rodents Nesting Under the Deck – Install wire mesh around the deck perimeter.
• Tree Roots Growing Under Deck Posts – Cut back roots or reposition the deck.
• Leaves and Debris Accumulating in Corners – Sweep regularly and trim nearby trees.
• Hail Damage to Surface – Sand down minor dents and reapply finish.
• Fire Damage from Sparks or Grills – Install a fireproof grill mat and check for ember damage.
• Bird Droppings Staining Deck – Clean with a gentle detergent and water.
• Wind Uplifting Loose Boards – Secure boards with additional fasteners.
• High Humidity Causing Swelling – Improve ventilation underneath the deck.
• Cold Weather Causing Cracks in Wood – Seal with wood filler and apply a protective stain.
• Moss and Algae Growth – Scrub with a deck cleaner and use a pressure washer at low settings.
• Lightning Strike Damage – Ground metal components properly to avoid electrical damage.

• Stains from Spilled Drinks or Food – Clean immediately with soapy water.
• Grease Stains from Grill – Use degreaser or baking soda paste.
• Scratches from Furniture – Sand and refinish affected areas.
• Composite Decking Fading Prematurely – Use manufacturer-recommended UV protectant.
• Splitting or Cracking Wood – Apply wood filler and reseal.
• Paint Peeling Off – Strip old paint and apply a high-quality deck stain.
• Composite Boards Expanding and Buckling – Ensure proper spacing per manufacturer instructions.
• Nail Pops on Wood Decks – Replace nails with deck screws.
• Wood Stain Appearing Uneven – Sand and reapply stain evenly.
• Composite Decking Getting Too Hot in Sun – Use light-colored boards or install shade structures.
• Chipping or Peeling Composite Finish – Clean with mild soap and avoid power washing at high settings.
• Water Rings from Planters – Use plant stands or saucers.
• Dark Spots from Wet Leaves – Use deck cleaner to remove stains.
• Wood Turning Gray Too Quickly – Apply a UV-blocking stain.
• Resin or Sap Leaking from Wood Decking – Scrape off and apply denatured alcohol.
• Epoxy or Glue Residue on Deck Surface – Use a scraper and rubbing alcohol.
• Deck Feels Rough or Splintery – Sand and reseal with a protective coating.
• Color Mismatch Between New and Old Boards – Stain new boards to match existing color.
• Composite Decking Producing Static Shocks – Install grounding strips if necessary.
• Chalky Residue on Composite Decking – Clean with vinegar and water solution.

Dirt and Dust Accumulating – Sweep weekly and use a mild cleaner.

Mildew Smell Under the Deck – Improve ventilation and remove debris.

Bubbles in Paint or Stain – Avoid applying in direct sunlight or high humidity.

Hard-to-Reach Areas for Cleaning – Use a power washer on a low setting.

Old Nails or Screws Rusting – Replace with stainless steel or galvanized fasteners.

Hard Water Stains from Sprinklers – Wipe with vinegar or a CLR cleaner.

Debris Stuck Between Boards – Use a putty knife or deck cleaning tool.

Cleaning Products Damaging the Finish – Always use deck-safe cleaners.

Gaps Collecting Dirt – Vacuum with a narrow nozzle attachment.

• Furniture Scratching Surface – Use furniture pads.
• Kids' Toys Damaging Deck – Encourage use of outdoor rugs or mats.
• Pets Scratching Deck Surface – Keep nails trimmed and use protective coatings.
• Outdoor Rugs Causing Mold Growth – Use breathable, quick-dry rugs.
• BBQ Grill Staining the Deck – Place a protective mat underneath.
• Dropped Tools Causing Dents – Sand and refinish small dents.
• Shoes Tracking in Dirt – Use a welcome mat or shoe-cleaning station.
• Too Much Foot Traffic Wearing Down Stain – Reapply protective finish as needed.
• Inadequate Lighting Making Deck Unsafe – Install solar or LED lights.
• Doors and Gates Warping Over Time – Adjust hinges or replace warped panels.