About This Service
What Decks & Fences Work Looks Like
Common signs you may need decks & fences:
- Visible rot, splintering, or soft spots when you step on deck boards or touch fence posts
- Loose or wobbly railings, balusters, or fence sections that move when pushed
- Fading, graying, or peeling stain and sealer on deck or fence surfaces
What Decks & Fences Work Looks Like
- Remove or shore up damaged sections safely, protecting the rest of the structure during work
- Disassemble fasteners and hardware, disposing of old materials properly
- Cut and fit new pressure-treated or composite boards, posts, or frame members as needed
- Install all fasteners (screws or galvanized nails) to code and manufacturer specs — no shortcuts
- Apply water barrier or flashing where new wood meets the home or where water pools
- Sand, stain, or seal new wood to match existing finish and provide weather protection
How We Assess Your Deck or Fence
- Walk the entire structure and probe suspect areas with a screwdriver to check for hidden rot below the surface
- Check every railing connection, baluster, and post base for movement, corrosion, and proper fastening
- Examine the deck or fence underside and drainage areas where water sits and causes the most damage
- Look for frost heave, ground settling, or posts pushing up from freeze-thaw cycles common in Minnesota winters
Red Wing sits in a transition zone between upper Midwest hardwoods and prairie — and that means decks and fences face aggressive seasonal swings. Winter freeze-thaw cycles push posts out of plumb and crack boards; spring runoff and river moisture keep wood damp longer than in drier climates. Local codes also require specific setbacks from property lines and height limits on fences, which vary by neighborhood. A contractor who doesn't know Red Wing's specifics will miss these details and build something that fails in one winter.