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.