Protecting Your Investment
A well-built deck can serve your family for decades. Two warranties, a little routine care and a builder who still answers the phone after the job is done are what keep it looking good and working safely.
What happens after the crew leaves?
Have you wondered who you’d call if a board cupped or a railing loosened a year from now? A deck is a real investment, and it’s natural to worry about the weather, the upkeep, and whether the builder will still be around if something goes wrong.
It’s a fair worry
Many homeowners find themselves on their own when the original builder stops returning calls. Others learn too late that a material warranty needed to be registered, or that missed maintenance can put it at risk.
Protection that lasts as long as the deck
What they found is that protection comes in layers. The manufacturer warrants the materials and we stand behind our workmanship, because great materials installed poorly will fail just as surely as poor materials installed well. Some warranties, including Trex’s, need registration, and we’ll show you how. If something isn’t right after we finish, call us and we’ll come back and make it right.
Simple care does the rest. Composite needs little more than sweeping and an occasional wash. Cedar and treated wood need cleaning and fresh sealer or stain every few years. Keep the gaps between boards clear, put pads under heavy furniture and grills, and let a cover or pergola take the worst of the sun. Good airflow, proper spacing and the right fasteners, built in from the start, help your deck stand up to San Antonio heat and storms. And when it’s time to sell, a well-kept deck is a selling point, with many warranties staying with the property.
More Questions About Protecting Your Investment
How do I protect my deck from furniture scratches?
Place furniture pads or glides under all furniture legs—this simple step prevents scratches from chairs, tables, and planters. Replace worn pads periodically. Avoid dragging furniture; lift and place instead. These habits protect both composite and wood surfaces.
What’s the best way to remove leaves and debris?
Regular sweeping or leaf blowing keeps debris from accumulating. Debris trapped in corners or between railings can trap moisture and decompose, potentially staining the deck. A few minutes of clearing after major leaf fall prevents bigger maintenance later.
Can I use a grill on my deck?
Yes, but position grills safely: away from railings and siding, with clearance above. Use a grill mat underneath to catch grease drips—grease stains are difficult to remove from any deck material. Ensure adequate ventilation and never leave grills unattended.
Do you offer a warranty on your work?
Yes, we stand behind our workmanship with a warranty on labor and installation. Specific warranty terms are discussed with your project quote. Beyond formal warranties, we're committed to customer satisfaction—if issues arise, we address them.
Are there separate warranties for materials and labor?
Yes, material manufacturers warranty their products, and we separately warranty our installation workmanship. Both are important: quality materials improperly installed can fail, and vice versa. You receive coverage from both the manufacturer and our company.
What if something goes wrong after you’re done?
Contact us immediately. We respond promptly to post-project concerns—typically the same day. Our reputation depends on satisfied customers, so we take issues seriously. Whether it's a question about care, a concern about something we built, or an unexpected problem, call us.
Do I need to register my deck warranty?
Some manufacturer warranties require registration to activate full coverage; others are automatic. Trex warranties are attached to the property and require registration. We provide guidance on registration requirements for your specific materials and can assist with the process.
What maintenance is required to keep warranties valid?
Most warranties require reasonable maintenance. For wood decks, this typically means appropriate sealing/staining. For composite, reasonable cleaning. Warranty exclusions often include damage from neglect, misuse, or improper cleaning. We provide maintenance guidance so you stay within warranty requirements.
What’s not covered by warranties?
Typical warranty exclusions include: normal wear and weathering, damage from improper maintenance or cleaning, damage from misuse or impact, staining from external sources (rust, leaves, etc.), and natural variations in wood appearance. We explain coverage limits clearly so you know what to expect.
Can I transfer the warranty if I sell my home?
Many material warranties transfer to new homeowners—Trex warranties follow the property, not the original purchaser. This can be a selling point for your home. We can provide documentation of materials used and warranty information for real estate transactions.
What if a defective board appears years later?
For material defects within warranty period, contact the manufacturer to file a claim. We can help facilitate this process—we keep records of products installed and can provide documentation. Manufacturers handle replacement material; depending on circumstances, we can discuss installation.
Will my deck warp in the Texas heat?
Warping results from improper installation, inappropriate materials, or inadequate structure more than heat alone. We prevent warping through proper joist spacing, appropriate fastening, allowing for material expansion, and using quality materials designed for our climate. Proper installation prevents heat-related warping.
Ask the Right Questions
How do I maintain my Trex deck?
Trex requires minimal maintenance—dramatically less than wood. Clean periodically with soap and water; a soft brush removes dirt and debris. No staining, sealing, or painting is ever needed. For stubborn stains, use a composite deck cleaner. That's essentially it for routine care.
How often should I clean my composite deck?
Clean your composite deck 2-4 times per year, or more frequently if it gets heavy debris (leaves, pollen) or staining. Regular cleaning prevents buildup that could trap moisture or become harder to remove. A quick sweep or blow after heavy leaf fall helps too.
How do I clean mold or mildew from my deck?
For composite decks, use a composite deck cleaner and soft-bristle brush. For wood decks, oxygen bleach-based cleaners work well without damaging wood fibers (avoid chlorine bleach). Mold and mildew are surface growth—they clean off without permanent damage if addressed promptly.
How do I maintain a cedar deck?
Cedar deck maintenance includes annual cleaning (deck cleaner or oxygen bleach solution) and resealing every 1-2 years with a quality penetrating sealer or stain. This maintenance preserves color, prevents moisture damage, and significantly extends deck life. Set annual reminders.
Can I pressure wash my deck?
Use pressure washers cautiously—high pressure can damage wood fibers and even composite surfaces. Use low pressure (under 1500 PSI), keep the nozzle moving, maintain 12+ inch distance, and use fan tips rather than pinpoint jets. Often, a scrub brush and hose work better and safer.
How do I remove stains from my deck?
Stain removal depends on the stain type and deck material. Grease responds to degreasing cleaners; organic stains (leaves, berries) often respond to oxygen bleach; rust requires specialized rust removers. Test any cleaner in an inconspicuous area first. Specific stain questions? Contact us.
Do I need to cover my deck in winter?
In San Antonio's mild climate, winter covering isn't necessary or typical. Keep the deck clean and free of debris that could trap moisture. If you have potted plants, protect the deck surface underneath from constant moisture. Otherwise, our winters don't require special deck protection.
