Deck Cleaning 101: All You Need to Know

What is the best way to clean decking

It really pays to make sure your deck is tidy and looking its best at all times. After all, not only is your deck an ideal place to relax after a long day at work, spend some quality time with your family, or enjoy an outdoor party with your friends, it’s also a major aesthetic element of your property that contributes to its curb appeal.

Needless to say, the easiest and most effective way to do this is by booking professional deck cleaning services in Fort Collins. But what if you don’t have the time to call in the experts, or if you simply want the satisfaction of doing it yourself?

In previous articles, we answered some common questions about residential decks and discussed some concerns homeowners have when planning a new deck. Now we’ll give you a short guide on how to clean your deck like an expert. Read on.

What is the best way to clean decking?

In addition to making your deck look more appealing and sanitary, deck cleaning is also an excellent opportunity to inspect it for any signs of wear or damage. If you find any problems, be sure to have them addressed by a qualified technician.

First, prep your deck by clearing things up a bit:

  • Remove all the furniture, grills, pots, rugs, and decorations. Check for branches, leaves or any kind of debris especially between the deck boards. Think about using organic waste as compost for your garden plants.
  • Water the plants near your deck and wrap them up into plastic or old cloth to protect them from chemicals. Don’t forget to let them breathe when you finish.

Now it’s time to give your deck a good scrubbing:

  • Before you begin, make sure you’re wearing rubber gloves, eye protection, and a face mask, especially if you’re going to be using any harsh chemicals. Keep in mind that many cleaners also come in eco-friendly variants.
  • Start by scrubbing away any grease marks that may remain on your barbeque grill. Thoroughly rinse before applying any other cleanser.
  • Grab your broom or a heavy-duty vacuum cleaner, and use them to remove small dust and dirt. If there are a lot of leaves or other light debris, blow it away with a leaf blower.
  • Most of the cleaning liquids are based on oxygen bleach or some kind of acid, such as vinegar. Whether you buy it or use a homemade recipe, be careful when you scrub over the boards. Read about the ingredients and avoid ones that may be damaging to the material your deck is made of.
  • If you don’t want to use heavy-duty products, a bucket with soap and water should be more than enough to brush away most of the dirt. In case you do not have the protective equipment, this would be a safer method.
  • Once you’ve scrubbed the deck clean, hose it down with the garden hose. Make sure there aren’t any inorganic leftovers since they damage the wood. Let the deck dry.

Where can I book reliable deck cleaning services in Fort Collins?

Handyman Connection of Fort Collins is an established home repair, and maintenance company that caters to clients across Fort Collins and other cities in Colorado. Whether you’re looking for reliable deck cleaners, highly qualified plumbers, or experienced electricians, you can count on us to meet your every home improvement need.

Get in touch with us today if you’d like to learn more about who we are and what we can do for you. We’re looking forward to making your home the best it can be!

5 Tips for Repairing a Deck

Is it worth repairing a deck

Everyone who owns a garden or a backyard knows that it’s the deck that ties it all together. However, due to regular wear and constant exposure to the elements, your deck can get damaged over time and require deck repair. This is especially true for decks here in Fort Collins, CO, given its climate throughout the year. 

As always, the best way to fix any issues and keep your deck in a great condition is to outsource this task to the experts. In the following article, we’ll take a look at 5 time-tested tips seasoned handymen follow when repairing a deck. Read on.

Is it worth repairing a deck?

Not only is it worth it, it’s actually strongly recommended. The reality is that a damaged deck is not only less functional and detrimental to the appeal of your home, but may pose a serious safety hazard.

Furthermore, as with any other part of your property, keeping your deck well-maintained ensures that it can properly serve its intended purpose. Even if you’re planning on moving, you may want to consider repairing your deck, as it adds to the value of your house.

How do you repair an existing deck?

Deck repair, even though cheaper than building a new one, is not an easy task, and you’ll need to know how to approach the issue in order to repair it properly. You’ll also need to procure the necessary permits for whatever type of work you intend to undertake in Fort Collins.

Here’s how to fix a deck:

1. Gather tools and materials

In order to do any sort of repair work, first you need to gather the required tools and materials that you’ll need for the job.

Safety equipment:

  • Eye protection
  • Ear protection
  • A dust mask
  • Work gloves

Measuring tools

  • A pencil sharpener 
  • A tape measure

Tools:

  • A drill
  • A handsaw or a circular saw
  • A regular screwdriver
  • A claw hammer 
  • A pry bar

Materials:

  • Screws and nails
  • Matching timber decking boards
  • Deck cleaner
  • Decking oil for the protective finish

2. Find and identify the damage

Inspect your deck to find any loose or splintered boards and popped screws or nails. When it comes to loose boards, try to assess if they can be simply repaired by tightening them with a screw or a nail, or if it’s in need of replacing. 

When in doubt, always go for the safer option and replace a loose board. Splintered and cracked boards should be removed and replaced as they are a safety hazard. Any popped screws or nails should be removed and replaced as well.

3. Remove old and damaged screws, nails and boards

Once you’ve found and identified all damaged boards and popped screws and nails, it’s time to remove them. Using a claw hammer or a pry bar, begin removing damaged boards that you’ll later replace with new ones. Remove popped or rusty screws and nails.

4. Replace damaged deck parts

Now that you’ve removed all damaged screws, nails, and boards, you need to replace them with new ones. This is where the measuring tools come in handy. Correctly measure all boards that need replacing to ensure a perfect fit and prevent gaps in your deck. 

After measuring, cut the new boards with a saw and screw or nail them in tightly so that they don’t loosen. Remember to replace any popped screws or nails on boards that don’t need replacing.

5. Clean and oil the deck

After repairing the deck, it’s time to clean the deck and apply a protective finish. Deck cleaning chemicals can be harsh, so be sure to wear safety gloves. There are many deck-cleaning products so make sure to choose one that fits your deck. 

Need a handyman to help with deck repair in Fort Collins, CO & beyond?

Here at Handyman Connection of Fort Collins, we specialize in various sorts of home improvement and maintenance work, including deck installation, deck repair, door installation, framing and repair, gutter repair, and so on. We also take pride in our efficiency, especially in terms of saving water and energy. 

Give us a call today to book our services or learn more about what we offer. We’re looking forward to hearing from you.