Local Commercial Fencing in Stevens Point, WI 54481 - Decked Out

The main cause is frost heave. When the ground freezes and thaws repeatedly, wet soils expand and contract, pushing posts upward or sideways over time. You might first notice a gate dragging or not latching correctly. A simple fix like adding shims won't solve the underlying issue. Our typical solution involves removing the affected post, digging deeper below the frost line (about 48 inches in our area), and using a concrete footing with proper drainage gravel. This keeps the post stable through seasonal changes. We often do this alongside deck repair or replacement for homes near the Wisconsin River or in areas with heavy clay soil.

Yes, typically. The City of Stevens Point requires a building permit for any new deck construction that's attached to a house and over a certain size. We handle the permit process as part of our deck construction service, which includes submitting plans and scheduling the required inspections (footing, framing, and final). We're very familiar with Portage County and city requirements, so for a deck off your home near Schmeeckle Reserve or in the older neighborhoods off Main Street, we make sure everything meets code. Even a deck replacement may need a permit if the structure changes.

We start with a thorough inspection to confirm the framing and connections are solid. In Stevens Point, many decks that are 10-15 years old have good structural bones but weathered boards. For a surface-worn deck with no rot or insect damage, we can often do a partial board replacement and refinish. If you're near the Green Circle Trail and the deck just looks tired from snow and sun, we can replace the decking boards and rails while leaving the structure. If the boards are splintered or have mold, we offer cleaning and sealing. Only if we find loose posts, rusted hardware, or sagging joists do we recommend a deck replacement. We always explain your options in plain terms.