What are some ways to keep porch posts from rotting?

• <div><p>The main cause of a rotting porch post is prolonged exposure to moisture. So, the best way to prevent rot is to eliminate and guard against moisture.</p><ul><li><p>Use wood caulk to seal any cracks, openings, or areas along the post where water is likely to pool.</p></li><li><p>Secure porch posts into concrete, if possible.</p></li><li><p>Cover wooden posts with protective sleeves or wraps, often made of vinyl.</p></li><li><p>Install metal post anchors for extra support.</p></li></ul><p></p></div>

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Q: How much weight can a wooden deck hold?

• <div><p>Typically, most residential wooden decks are designed to support approximately 40 pounds per square foot, including the deck&rsquo;s weight and any items placed on it. While this is fine for typical use, it is usually not enough to hold the weight of a hot tub filled with water and people. To safely support a hot tub, your wood deck will likely require reinforcement. Therefore, it&rsquo;s best to have a contractor or a structural engineer assess it before hot tub installation.</p></div>

Q: How do various elements influence the price of repairs?

• <div><p>Costs depend on damage type, material, and labor rates.</p></div>

Q: Why is my porch roof leaking?

• <div><p>A porch roof will be prone to leaking if it suffers damage from extreme weather events, or if it was improperly installed and waterproofed from the get-go. In some cases, a porch roof will be leaky simply because it's at the end of its lifespan and needs to be replaced. Proper maintenance and promptly repairing damage from high winds and hail will help keep your porch roof from leaking.</p></div>

Q: Is it necessary to skirt a deck?

• <div><p>No, it isn&rsquo;t necessary to skirt a deck, but investing in the cost to install deck skirting can bring more value to your home. Not only does deck skirting make the deck look more complete, but it can also turn otherwise unused space beneath the deck into useful storage space.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Deck And Porch Service pros in Gretna, VA

*The Angi rating for Deck And Porch Service companies in Gretna, VA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Deck And Porch Service needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Deck And Porch Service companies in Gretna, VA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Deck And Porch Service needs.

Last update on November 23, 2025

Reviewed in August 2024
I can't say enough good things about Rodney. I requested a quote through the company website, with photos and got a reply later the same day with the tiered quote I requested. I responded to that email and every communication after that was prompt, clear, courteous, and professional. We...
The Southern Porch Co
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Reviewed in March 2017
Bill and his guys are very professional and leave you with little to no questions. The installation and clean up was neat and fast. I would recommend them for any projects you may have around your home.
Cascio And Sons Construction
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Reviewed in May 2021
Right Angle Carpentry did an amazing job and is a pleasure to work with. I would highly recommend them!
RIGHT ANGLE CARPENTRY
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Reviewed in January 2021
Getting the estimate and doing the work was placed on a long schedule due to heavy business sector traffic. But they actually came earlier than scheduled to do the work. Did it efficiently. I don't expect to have leaks in this spot again!
Trinity Business Inc
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Reviewed in December 2012
KLM Builders provided an exceptional product at a reasonable price. Tim Maddox came to my home promptly when called, we discussed exactly what I wanted to have done and he returned in a couple of days with a professional and thorough estimate. Upon agreement, he started the work on schedule and...
KLM Builders
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Decks and Porches questions, answered by experts

Typically, most residential wooden decks are designed to support approximately 40 pounds per square foot, including the deck’s weight and any items placed on it. While this is fine for typical use, it is usually not enough to hold the weight of a hot tub filled with water and people. To safely support a hot tub, your wood deck will likely require reinforcement. Therefore, it’s best to have a contractor or a structural engineer assess it before hot tub installation.

Costs depend on damage type, material, and labor rates.

The main cause of a rotting porch post is prolonged exposure to moisture. So, the best way to prevent rot is to eliminate and guard against moisture.

Use wood caulk to seal any cracks, openings, or areas along the post where water is likely to pool.
Secure porch posts into concrete, if possible.
Cover wooden posts with protective sleeves or wraps, often made of vinyl.
Install metal post anchors for extra support.

A porch roof will be prone to leaking if it suffers damage from extreme weather events, or if it was improperly installed and waterproofed from the get-go. In some cases, a porch roof will be leaky simply because it's at the end of its lifespan and needs to be replaced. Proper maintenance and promptly repairing damage from high winds and hail will help keep your porch roof from leaking.

No, it isn’t necessary to skirt a deck, but investing in the cost to install deck skirting can bring more value to your home. Not only does deck skirting make the deck look more complete, but it can also turn otherwise unused space beneath the deck into useful storage space.

The Gretna, VA homeowners’ guide to deck and porch services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

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