"Great contractor to work with. Was up front with explaining the repairs and arrived when we agreed. The paint we had didn’t match the repair we had done, so Josh had his team paint the entire room within the original estimate. Highly recommend and will use again!"
"AMJ did a fantastic job disposing of my old deck and building a new one down to the footers! The whole crew was easy to work with and showed up when expected. All the cuts are clean, and the deck is a show stopper. I have gotten so many compliments on my deck. Iâ m glad a chose AMJ to build my family a new deck!"
"I’ve had a wonderful experience working with Claudio! He is professional, thorough, and genuinely takes pride in his work. He helped us with drywall repairs and framing following the installation of our new central air system, and I couldn’t be happier with the results. What I especially appreciate about Claudio is how easy he is to work with. He responds quickly, communicates clearly, and takes the time to explain things when I have questions. He’s also very upfront about costs, which I really appreciate. There are no surprises, and I feel confident that I can trust him. He’s incredibly detail-oriented, keeps his workspace neat and tidy, and is respectful of our home. He doesn’t cut corners, and it shows in the quality of his work. It’s such a relief to find someone who is not only skilled at what they do but also kind, reliable, and easy to communicate with. I would absolutely recommend Claudio and Ensamplar Property Maintenance, and I look forward to working with him again!"
"These guys are committed to quality work. After work began it became clear more support work was required under deck. No problem, they just went at it and made it right. Very impressed they honored their quote. Beautiful quality result. Very easy to work with, quality work, on time, on budget. Not much else to ask for."
"Tim did a very nice job of fixing parts of the deck where some floor boards were coming lose and adding screws to the flooring for improved stability. Then he completed the job with two coatings. He kept us informed of the progress, worked independently and also cleaned up and replaced deck furniture. Highly recommend!"
Many composite decking manufacturers, including the popular Trex brand, offer warranties that protect against warping under specific conditions. These warranties typically last between 20 and 50 years, but they usually exclude claims related to improper installation of the product. Some manufacturer warranties only cover decks built by certified professionals.
Your deck may look or feel fuzzy after pressure washing because the high-pressure spray tears some wood fibers as it removes the outer layer of dead and discolored wood. This fuzzy effect is a normal part of the pressure-washing process and will go away on its own in a few weeks. You can opt to spot-sand your deck if you’d like to remove it more quickly.
Cold temperatures can make your deck boards contract. If they don’t contract evenly, they can put pressure on the deck screws and cause them to pop out, making a noticeable sound. Winterizing your deck can help prevent this from happening.
Building codes for deck railings can vary by location, so it's important to consult your local regulations before construction. Generally, a guardrail is required for any deck that is more than 30 inches above the ground.
For residential properties, the standard minimum height for a deck railing is 36 inches. However, some states and municipalities have stricter requirements; for example, California and Washington mandate railings that are at least 42 inches high. Therefore, a 42-inch railing is not considered too high and may be required in your area or chosen voluntarily for additional safety.
In addition to height requirements, codes also specify other safety features, such as the maximum spacing between balusters to ensure they are close enough to prevent a child from squeezing through.
Before installing a deck, you must build a base for the deck to rest upon, often made of compacted soil or gravel. While gravel is an optional material, it helps with drainage. Some contractors also recommend installing a weed control membrane, which helps provide a solid foundation for the frame. In the case of an elevated deck, a pro will often lay down a concrete slab as a foundation.
The Coplay, PA homeowners’ guide to deck repair services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Deck replacement costs depend on materials, any structural damage you need to fix, and more. This guide explores how much it costs to replace or repair a deck.
Refinishing your deck is a great way to restore its appearance and fall in love with your outdoor space. Use this guide to learn how much it costs based on factors like size and type.
Old and run-down porch railings can be an eyesore and pose a risk of falling. Find out how much it costs to replace your worn out porch railings with new materials.
If your deck is in bad shape, this deck repair checklist will help you inspect, clean, maintain, and repair it without missing any vital steps in the process.
