Common deck and fence repairs
- Deck boards: replacing rotten, split or cupped boards and re-fastening loose ones
- Railings: tightening or rebuilding wobbly rails and balusters. A loose railing is a safety issue.
- Stairs: replacing worn treads and re-securing stringers
- Fence posts: replacing rotted posts and resetting them in fresh concrete
- Fence panels and boards: swapping broken pickets and panels
- Gates: fixing sagging gates and replacing hinges and latches so they close properly
Why Ottawa decks and fences fail
Ottawa winters are hard on outdoor wood. Water gets into the end grain and fastener holes, freezes, and slowly opens everything up. Frost heave pushes posts out of line. By spring, a slightly loose post can become a leaning section of fence. Catching it early is much cheaper than replacing the whole run.
The best time for outdoor repairs is spring through fall, when concrete can cure and the wood is dry enough to stain or seal. Urgent safety fixes, like a broken railing or a gate that won't latch around a pool, are worth doing right away.
What deck and fence repairs cost
Small fixes, like a few boards, a loose railing, or a gate adjustment, usually fit in the $150 two-hour minimum plus materials. Post replacements take longer because the old concrete has to come out. Text photos of the problem area and you'll get a time estimate and a materials list.
Thinking bigger? For a new deck or a full fence line, call to talk it through. Larger new decks may need a City of Ottawa building permit, and Sal will let you know if yours does.
Other outdoor work
While Sal is outside, he can also clean gutters, replace dryer vent covers, pressure-wash, and do seasonal upkeep. Recent jobs include replacing eavestroughs for a customer in Nepean.
Signs your deck or fence needs attention
- Boards that feel soft or spongy underfoot, or that a screwdriver pushes into easily
- A railing that moves when you lean on it
- Rusty nails or screws, or nails working their way up out of the boards
- Fence posts leaning after the spring thaw, or a gate that drags or won't latch
- Grey, cracked wood that soaks up water instead of beading it
Any one of these is worth a look before it spreads to the boards and posts around it.
What customers say
★★★★★ “Saleem did an excellent job replacing our eavestrough/ gutter (see before and after pics). Kind person and excellent work. We are hiring him for other jobs around the house too!”
— Sachi L., Google review
★★★★★ “Great experience, showed up on time, the price was fair and the quality was great! Would definitely recommend!”
— Ebaa K., Google review
Read all of Sal's Google reviews (5.0 stars).
Sal works across Ottawa: Kanata & Stittsville, Barrhaven & Nepean, Orleans & Gloucester, and central Ottawa. If you're just outside those areas, call and ask.