Decks need regular maintenance to prevent surface damage and deterioration. If left untreated, rotting and other structural problems can compromise safety and lead to costly repairs.
Sweep regularly to remove leaves and debris. Clean periodically with a composite-safe cleaner and a soft brush. Mold and mildew can be addressed with a white vinegar solution. Hammer popped nails down and examine hardware beneath the deck, especially joist hangers, for rust. Contact Deck Builders Franklin TN for professional help.
It’s important for homeowners to complete a comprehensive inspection of their deck each year. This allows them to identify early signs of damage or deterioration, like sagging or loose boards or railings. Catching these problems before they become worse can save homeowners thousands in costly repairs and prevent safety hazards and structural issues from arising.
Homeowners should check for visible signs of rot and decay, loose boards, and popped nails or screws. They should also check for any rusted or damaged hardware, and tighten loose fasteners or replace them as needed. In addition, homeowners should inspect the footings and foundation for cracking and sinking. If the structure is not stable, it should be repaired or replaced as soon as possible to reduce the risk of collapses and other serious damages.
Finally, homeowners should regularly trim any trees or plants that overhang the deck to prevent moisture and debris buildup and to reduce the risk of limbs falling onto the deck or into the house. Additionally, they should store items such as firewood away from the deck to avoid moisture issues and rodents.
Inspecting for any signs of rot or decay and making necessary repairs promptly can save homeowners thousands in costly repairs and ensure that their deck is safe to use. Additionally, regular inspections can identify issues such as loose or rotting stairs and railings, which pose a significant safety risk and should be addressed immediately.
For those who do not have the time or expertise to conduct a thorough inspection of their deck, professional evaluations are available. These professionals can provide a more detailed assessment of the deck’s condition and make recommendations for repair and maintenance strategies. They can also recommend strategies that will improve drainage and reduce the deck’s exposure to harsh weather conditions, thereby prolonging its life and reducing repair costs.
Cleaning
A dirty deck makes for a less pleasant outdoor space and promotes the growth of mold, mildew, moss, and other fungus that weakens the wood. This can lead to rotting boards that require costly replacement. Regular cleaning helps reduce the likelihood of such damage by removing contaminants from the surface and preventing them from penetrating the pores. Cleaning also prepares the deck for the application of treatments that enhance the life of the wood and prevent moisture damage.
Proper cleaning requires the use of appropriate products for your deck’s material and surface type. For example, chlorine bleach is not an appropriate cleaner for treated wood, as it shifts the pH from a near-neutral to a basic solution that can cause significant damage to the cell structure of the wood. The proper mix of water and detergent is important to achieve the best results, and a scrub brush or power washer is useful for scrubbing tough stains and focusing on high-traffic areas and spots that are prone to mold and mildew growth.
After the cleaning process, it’s a good idea to apply a wood brightener to lighten the color of your deck and help it look its best. This will also make the stain that is applied later look better and last longer.
A thorough inspection is essential before beginning any cleaning or staining projects on your deck. Look for signs of rot or structural failure, such as loose boards, rusty nails and screws, or gaps and cracks. It’s important to address any potential problems, such as a loose railing or unstable steps, before they become more serious and create safety hazards for you and your family.
Aside from cleaning, the most important thing you can do to keep your deck in tip-top shape is to maintain a routine of annual maintenance and inspections. This includes sweeping regularly to remove leaves and debris, using plastic shovels instead of metal-tipped ones to prevent surface damage, trimming nearby plants to limit leaf litter and excessive shade (which can promote fungus growth), and staining at the right time of year to guard against sun and moisture damage.
Staining
Staining your deck is essential to maintaining the beauty and longevity of your outdoor living space. Stain protects your wood from harmful UV rays that cause damage to the surface of the boards, warping, and color changes. It also prevents water or moisture from soaking into the boards, which can cause them to mold or mildew, grow soft, and eventually fall apart. Moisture that soaks into the wood can also freeze and expand during winter, causing boards to crack and fall off. A good stain will create a barrier between the board and moisture, allowing the wood to breathe, reduce the likelihood of mold or mildew growth, and make it easier to clean.
Unlike paint, stain doesn’t need to be primed, meaning the project can be completed in half the time compared to painting your deck. A high-quality deck stain will also last 2-3 years before needing to be recoated, compared to 5-10 for painted decks. Paint is prone to chipping, peeling, and fading more quickly than stain.
Paint and stain both protect the wood from damaging UV rays, but stain is better for preserving the natural beauty of your deck’s boards and grain. Since stain doesn’t cover the natural grain, it allows you to choose the amount of pigment that shows through, whereas paint covers the wood completely, limiting your options for aesthetics. Stain is also waterproof and allows the wood to breathe, reducing the chances of mold or mildew and making your deck less susceptible to damage during the harsh winter weather.
Before staining, it’s a good idea to sweep your deck and use a power washer to remove any visible dirt or debris. Then, you can prepare your deck for staining by sanding the wood using medium-grit sandpaper, allowing it to dry thoroughly. After that, you’ll need to wipe it down with a damp cloth to remove any dust or residue. Lastly, you can stain your deck by using a stain pad or brush, working the stain into the wood as you go. For best results, we recommend hiring a professional to perform this service.
Repairs
As homeowners, there are always projects that must be addressed around the house. Deck repair is a common project that requires both skill and time to complete properly. It involves handling heavy materials and working at heights, presenting safety risks if not completed correctly. It also requires a variety of tools, including a hammer, screwdrivers, and pry bar. A circular saw and sander may also be needed if the repairs are extensive.
The first step in identifying deck repairs is to conduct a comprehensive inspection. This includes assessing both structural integrity and cosmetic damage. Structural issues are often the most severe and can lead to dangerous conditions. For example, a loose railing or cracked board can cause serious injuries to anyone who falls on the deck. A damaged joist or ledger board can contribute to the structural integrity of the entire deck, potentially leading to collapse or sagging. To check for rot or other issues, sink the tip of a screwdriver into the wood. If it’s soft or spongy, this is a sign that major renovations are required.
Cosmetic issues, such as fading and discoloration, are less likely to pose significant hazards, but they can be unsightly. In some cases, these issues can be repaired with a power wash and sanding, but in others, the deck boards may need to be replaced completely. Staining and sealing the deck protects it from moisture, mildew, and UV rays, and helps maintain its appearance and longevity.
In addition to addressing any cosmetic or safety concerns, it’s important to perform regular maintenance on the deck to ensure that it stays in good condition. Aside from cleaning, staining, and resealing, this can include regular sanding to smooth the surface, treating mildew with fungicides, and removing debris that may be attracting insects.
While some deck repairs can be completed by the homeowner, significant structural issues should be left to a professional contractor. These professionals have the specialized knowledge to ensure that the repairs meet all necessary standards and will last. They can also address underlying problems that may be difficult to identify by an untrained eye, saving you money and stress in the long run.
