How to Repair and Restore an Old Deck
Whether you’re trying to add an outdoor living space to your house or simply want to spruce up your backyard, there are many ways to repair and restore an old deck. In fact, it can actually be cheaper to restore your deck than to install a new one!
The first step to repairing your old deck is to clean it thoroughly. You may want to power wash your deck to remove all the dirt and debris that have built up over time. If your deck is already painted, you will want to make sure that all of the peeling or chipping paint is removed. If your deck isn’t painted, you will want to use a leaf blower to remove any debris that may have built up.
The next step in repairing your old deck is to sand the old deck down. You may want to sand the entire deck if it is fairly new, but if the deck is more than a few years old, you may only want to sand the parts of the deck that are showing signs of age. Sanding the old deck will help remove scratches and nicks, which will make the refinishing process easier.
It’s also a good idea to check out the framing on your deck. You may need to replace damaged boards. Also, you should make sure that you have a strong joist system in place. It is often wise to replace entire boards, but if your deck is small, you may be better off just replacing a few of the smaller boards.
You will also want to check out the railings. If you have loose hardware, you should replace it with new deck screws. Also, if your deck is missing any flashing, you may want to add it. You may also want to add a few more rails or a new rail system.
There are many ways to repair and restore an old wood deck. Some of them are more expensive than others. However, they can also be a lot more effective at revitalizing a deck. You can save yourself a lot of time and money if you hire a reliable handyman company in St. Petersburg to restore your deck.
The most effective method of repairing an old wood deck involves conditioning the cellular structure of the wood. This will help to revive a deck that has been neglected for too long. It will also help to provide an extra layer of protection from the sun. You should also make sure to check your local building codes to see if they apply to your deck.
The deck repair and restoration process can be accomplished in two days, but it’s wise to spread the work out over several weekends. This will also allow you to save time and money. However, if you’re unsure about how to do the job yourself, you may want to hire a professional. This will allow you to have a finished product faster than you would if you attempted the task on your own.
The best part about repairing your old deck is the satisfaction that you’ll get in knowing that you’ve restored it to its former glory. However, you should also keep in mind that you’ll have to take care of some of the more mundane tasks yourself. Some of these tasks will require the use of a permit, so it’s important to check with your local building inspector before embarking on the project.