A well-maintained deck can enhance the beauty and value of your home. Regular cleaning can prevent mold and mildew from damaging the wood.
Regular sweeping also removes debris and dirt from between the boards, which can rot them. Inspecting for rotten spots and loose fasteners helps catch problems early and avoid costly repairs later. Visit https://www.mountjoycompany.com to learn more.
If you don’t regularly clean your deck, it will become covered in mildew and mold spores that can make the surface dangerously slippery. A regular cleaning schedule will eliminate these dangers and help the deck look its best. Start by sweeping the entire area and removing any debris, then spraying down with a hose to rinse off loose dirt and debris. This should be done at least once or twice per year.
You can use store-bought cleaners formulated for composite decks, or you can make your own natural cleanser by mixing equal parts vinegar and water. If using a commercial cleaner, read the instructions on the label for dilution, and always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations on how long to leave the product on for effective cleaning.
After a thorough cleaning, it’s important to thoroughly inspect the deck for signs of damage or problems. Some issues are obvious, such as rotting boards or loose railings. Other problems are more subtle and can take a while to appear, but may indicate serious issues if left unchecked.
Check the Ledger Board:
The ledger board is the point where your deck attaches to the house. The connection should be secure, so a thorough inspection will include checking for signs of sagging and pulled away floor joists. It’s also a good idea to examine the screws, bolts, and other hardware to make sure they are all secure. Loose hardware is a major safety hazard and should be fixed as soon as possible.
Examine the Decking:
Over time, your deck boards will lose their color and will begin to sag. Inspect the decking for rot or discoloration and replace any rotting boards as soon as you notice them. Examine the deck for loose or missing fasteners and rusted metal hardware. It’s also a good idea, during your inspections, to wiggle and test the strength of railing connections.
A sagging or unstable deck is not only a potential safety hazard, but it can also be a financial burden on homeowners. Regular deck maintenance can prevent serious problems and protect your home’s investment.
Inspect
A deck inspection should be done on a regular basis, ideally once every spring. A professional can do a thorough inspection that will help homeowners identify the problems that need repair, whether it’s the structural components or surface elements such as stairs and railings.
The first area to inspect is the deck’s substructure, which includes concrete footings, posts, and joists that create a supporting frame. A professional can check to see if the deck is sagging or if the joists are showing signs of decay from moisture penetration. A sagging deck can be fixed by adding more support beams, while a decaying joist will require replacement.
Another important part of the inspection is to check the flashing, which is a sheet of metal installed over vital connections like the ledger board to prevent water and debris from reaching the house. Check to see if the flashing is firmly in place and replace it if it’s not.
Deck boards should also be examined closely for pest damage. Termites, carpenter ants, woodpeckers, and other pests love to destroy decks and can be difficult to spot until it’s too late. Look for small holes in the boards, wood flakes on the ground below the deck, and other telltale signs of pest infestation. If you notice any pest damage, call a local exterminator to treat the problem.
Cracks in the deck are common, especially around fasteners, but can be dangerous if they’re allowed to get worse. If you see any cracks, a professional can fix them by applying a sealant that will protect the wood and keep it from further damage.
Before sealing, the deck should be cleaned thoroughly and sanded to remove any irregularities or splinters. It should also be swept and washed with a pressure washer to get rid of any dirt and debris.
Stairs and handrails are easy to assess for safety concerns. Loose railings should be tightened and any loose steps should be replaced. Look for rust and corroded hardware on the steps and railings, as well as any areas where the wood is rotted.
Repair
Decks are exposed to the elements 24/7, which means they need a lot of attention to stay in good shape. If you neglect to regularly clean and inspect your deck, the wood could rot and collapse. This could put people at risk of injury, and it also means your home is less likely to be a desirable place to hang out. Inspect your deck for any signs of rot, splinters, warping, bowing or sagging. Then, make any needed repairs as soon as possible.
Start with the ledger board, which is the long pressure-treated board that attaches the deck to your house. If this board is significantly rotted, it can cause the entire deck to fail, so it needs repair or replacement as soon as possible. Also check any structural members that contact the ground, like joists or stair stringers, for damage and rot. A joist that is rotting can create a dangerous hole where rainwater can seep into your house. Use a screwdriver to probe suspected areas of rot; if the tip sinks in easily, that indicates the wood cellulose is rotted.
Look at the stairs and railings, as well, to ensure they feel safe and secure. Then, take a stroll around your deck and note how it feels. Does it sway? Does it creak? Does it have stains on it from drinks and food spills?
While you’re checking for damage, be sure to look at the flashing, which is a vital water barrier required where porches, decks and stairs attach to walls or other structures. Check that it is free of rust and bent nails, and replace it if necessary.
If your deck is in need of a serious facelift, consider applying a brightener to revive its color and remove tannins from the wood. Then, apply a fresh coat of sealant to protect it from sun, rain and snow. Be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific brand of deck sealant before you begin. A good rule of thumb is to apply a new coat about every two years to protect your investment and extend the life of your deck.
Seal
Sealing your deck is important to protect it from the elements. A well-sealed deck will last longer, retain its beauty, and protect your home’s interior from moisture damage and UV rays. However, many homeowners overlook this important task when constructing or maintaining their decks. This is a costly mistake. A deck that is not sealed can become splintery, deteriorate, and be susceptible to mold growth and insects. It can also be damaged by rain, which is more likely to soak in a unsealed surface rather than a sealed one.
To avoid the costs and hassle of a badly stained or weathered deck, consider having it professionally cleaned and sealed once a year. Professionals use the right products and techniques to ensure your deck is protected from moisture damage, fungi, and the sun’s damaging UV rays.
Before you apply any sealant to your deck, clean it thoroughly with a pressure washer or garden hose fitted with a high-pressure nozzle. This will remove any dirt, debris, mildew, and other contaminants that are clinging to the wood surface. You may need to scrub the deck with a brush to remove any stubborn dirt or mildew, especially on raised areas such as stairs. After washing, rinse the deck and allow it to dry completely.
Once the deck is dry, sand any rough spots and check for splinters. You will also want to vacuum the deck, paying special attention to the spaces between the boards. Be sure to wear a dust mask to prevent inhaling any particles. Then, sand the deck again, taking care not to over-sand it. A finer sanding will allow the new sealant to absorb properly.
When you’re ready to seal, choose a product designed for wood decks and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. It is best to reseal your deck in the morning, as the hot afternoon sun can cause the sealant to evaporate quickly and prevent it from penetrating the wood. It’s also a good idea to apply multiple thin coats of the sealant, rather than one thick coat, as this will help it adhere better and last longer.