Outdoor structures extend our homes. They add living space, storage space, work space, and things to fix. This Fix-It Guide on outdoor structure repair tells how an outdoor structure works, what often goes wrong, how to identify an outdoor structure problem, and what parts and tools you will need to fix it. It refers you to other Fix-It Guides for step-by-step instructions on gutter repair, roof repair, masonry repair, concrete repair, window repair, paint repair, door repair, wood furniture repair, and more.
How Does an Outdoor Structure Work?
An outdoor structure is a building or add-on that is separate from your home while serving its occupants. It can be a storage building, woodshed, gazebo, playhouse, dog house, pump house, or other building. Outdoor structures have many of the same features as a house, including flooring, roofing, framing, and others. Decks and gazebos are closely related, so if your gazebo needs repair, see the Deck Fix-It Guide.
What Can Go Wrong with an Outdoor Structure?
Outdoor structures often don’t receive the same maintenance that a home does, even though they may suffer more from weather extremes and other hardships. Roofs and gutters leak. Siding is damaged. Concrete floors crack. Windows get broken. Paint peels. A door can stick and its hardware can fail to work properly. Cabinets and drawers can stick or sag. Electrical receptacles and electrical switches can fail.
Fix-It Tip
Power wash your outdoor structures yearly when you power wash the outside of your house, deck, and driveway.
How Can I Identify an Outdoor Structure Problem?
- If a roof leaks, see the Roof Fix-It Guide.
- If a gutter or downspouts leak, see the Gutter Fix-It Guide.
- If siding is damaged, see the Masonry Fix-It Guide and Exterior Siding.
- If a concrete floor cracks, see the Concrete Fix-It Guide.
- If a window is broken, see the Window Fix-It Guide.
- If interior or exterior paint is damaged, see the Paint Fix-It Guide.
- If a door or door hardware are damaged, see the Door Fix-It Guide or the Door Hardware Fix-It Guide.
- If storage cabinets or drawers are damaged, see the Wood Furniture Fix-It Guide.
- If a structure sags, see the Framing System Fix-It Guide.
- If an outlet or switch fails, see the Electrical Receptacle Fix-It Guide or the Electrical Switch Fix-It Guide.
- If there’s a problem with plumbing, see the Drain System Fix-It Guide, the Faucet Fix-It Guide, the Toilet Fix-It Guide, the Pipe Fix-It Guide, or the Plumbing System Fix-It Guide.
What Do I Need for Outdoor Structure Repair?
Replacement parts are available from local hardware stores, home improvement centers, and lumber yards. The tools you will need to fix an outdoor structure may include:
- Screwdrivers
- Hammer
- Wrenches
- Electric drill
- Adhesives