If you’ve decided to embark on the deck repair journey as a Houston do-it-yourself, there are some things to keep in mind before you begin. Here are six tips to help with your DIY deck repair in Houston.
1. Start By Cleaning Up
A clean deck is a healthy deck. Cleaning might not be the most thrilling part of the process, but it’s an essential one as an unclean deck will add years to the appearance of your decking. Clean up your space of dirt and clutter as much as possible before you begin.
The best way to remove dirt, mold, algae, and debris from the surface is with
pressure washing. However, we suggest that you check with your manufacturer if you’re unsure of the type of lumber your deck builder in Hoston used. You also can’t safely complete deck repair without working around the clutter.
2 Diagnose Your Deck Repair Needs
After your deck has been pressure washed, you can get a full view of what needs to be fixed—including hidden problems that might have gone unnoticed beneath dirt and debrise.
Look for the following:
Splintered wood
Broken planks or drooping sections
Detached or unsecured railings
Loose nails
Loose stair steps
Moldy or rotted spots (may feel soft or spongy)
Missing or corroded metal connectors beneath the decking floor
Address anything that looks out of place immediately, even if it doesn’t look serious, to prevent future problems. Once you know the problem, it’s time to gather the tools and materials needed for your deck repairs from Houston's local hardware store.
Note: If you notice issues with the structural integrity of your deck, like wobbly or sagging sections, it’s time to call in a deck builder in Houston. Problems with the structure of your deck, especially when caused by termites or extensive mold, may require more serious attention than a do it yourself homeowner has the experience and know how to deal with.
3. Gather Your Tools
You may already own many of the tools you’re going to need—a hammer, some nails, and sandpaper will go a long way. Here’s a checklist to help you get started:
A tape measure. It is the most basic tool in any arsenal, yet one of the most useful. You’ll need one for measuring replacement railings and planks.
Shovel. You’ll likely need to move some soil if you have plans to check your deck foundations or expand your deck.
Circular saw. It’s always best to overshoot your measurements and saw planks down afterward when purchasing replacement planks.
Cordless drill. These are necessary for securing replacement planks or tightening loose screws.
Sander. This is for when you’ve finished your deck repairs and you want to tidy things up! Smoothing down wood also helps avoid splinters.
If you’ve got a specific repair in mind and aren’t sure what you need, ask us for help! We can help you figure out just what you’ll need. You can also check our deck repair hardware stock to get all the nuts and bolts you’ll need.
4. Replace
If you notice boards that are cracked, broken, or damaged by rot, they must be replaced.
With your hammer and a pry bar, carefully remove nails and damaged planks, making sure not to harm adjacent planks in the process. With your circular saw, cut new planks to fit—and remember, and it’s better to cut too little than cut too much if you’re unsure of the exact dimensions you need.
Place your new board and screw it into the joist. If you can’t replace all the damaged boards by yourself or aren’t sure what kind of lumber you need, it’s time to call an expert to help you get the job done.
5. Refinish
Your decking takes a lot of damage from inclement weather, year in and year out. This can really build up over time and peel away at the original stain if not regularly touched up.
Once you’ve finished your practical repairs, it’s time to pull out the deck stain and sealant. Be aware that this may take a few days to dry, so start this process in the summer months and when there’s no rain in the forecast.
Composite lumber decks are low maintenance, so they don’t need stains and sealants like traditional wood decks, which are the most common materials in our area. If you’re worried about fading, reach out to your composite manufacturer, like Trex, for more information or we would be happy to help.
6. Consider More Customizations
After DIY deck repair, you might be tempted into sprucing up your deck in other ways now that it’s looking its best. Fortunately, there are some easy ways to add some new flair to your deck!
If you’re in a sunny state, consider installing a retractable overhang to provide extra shade. If you want to brighten up your deck in the evening, view our selection of lighting fixtures. Furthermore, many deck repairs Houston homeowners can do give them a chance to refresh their outdoor furniture and decorations.
Contact Emerson For Deck Repairs In Houston
If you need some help with your deck repairs in Houston, don’t worry—our team has you covered. Our deck repair pros in Houston are eager to answer any questions or concerns that you may have. We can also point you in the right direction, or you can receive a free estimate from our professional deck repair company in Houston, which handles everything from minor issues to more extensive repairs for you. Contact us today to learn more or schedule a free in-home consultation by calling us at 281-545-7740.