"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!"
"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!"
"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!"
"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."
"Jeremy is an honest and knowledgeable contractor. He was prompt with scheduling, and when he had conflicts, quick to call and reschedule. He completed the repair and guaranteed his work (i.e. he will come back to continue to adjust until it is right). He was honest about what the true problem/solution will entail, and I fully intend on having him do that work after the winter is over."
Deck stairs should have at least three stringers rather than two. The recommended minimum width for stairs is 36 inches, and the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors recommends at least three cut stringers to provide sufficient support on wood decking stairs of this width. Generally, stringers should be a maximum of 16 inches apart for wood decking and 12 inches apart for more flexible composite decking.
The life expectancy of deck boards varies widely based on the material, climate, and maintenance. Untreated wood boards typically last 10 to 30 years with proper care, while pressure-treated boards can last up to 50 years. Hardwoods generally outlast softwoods. Composite boards also tend to last longer than natural wood. Environmental factors like arid or humid climates can shorten a deck's lifespan. To extend the life of wood decking, it's important to consistently clean and seal it to protect against moisture, UV light, and insects.
Covering your deck with a breathable tarp can protect it from snow, ice, and cold winter temperatures. This is a good winterizing solution if you don’t plan to use your deck at all during the colder months. However, it might be best to skip the tarp if you’ll still be walking on your deck or using it in a limited capacity.
Before installing any materials under the deck for removing moisture, you should perform some prep work on the ground. Work the dirt under the deck to create a grade away from the home. A grade of at least six inches for every 10 feet works well. Do not leave a gap between the dirt and the home’s foundation where water could pool. Once you or a contractor regrades the dirt under the deck, you then can add materials over the top.
Yes, you can build a deck over your outdoor HVAC unit, but you need to leave at least 5 feet of vertical clearance above the unit. If you don’t want your deck to be that high off the ground, you could build a floating deck in another part of your yard—again, as long as you leave at least 4 feet of horizontal space between the deck and your AC unit.
The Slatington, 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.
