Regular deck maintenance helps your wood-framed structure endure the elements. Look for signs of rot, decay and loose fasteners, and catch any problems before they become serious.
Inspect the ledger board (where your deck attaches to your house) and flashing, which prevents water from infiltrating between the structures. Replace popped nails, and line new nails up close to—but not in—the old ones. Visit https://www.mountjoycompany.com to learn more.
Decks are subjected to a lot of stress and abuse. They need to be inspected regularly to make sure that the structure is strong, stable and safe to walk on. A regular inspection can help catch things like loose fasteners, sagging boards, water stains and rust on metal parts before they become major problems that cost time and money to fix.
A professional inspector will clear the deck area of furniture, grills and planters so that they can thoroughly examine all areas of the deck for damage or potential safety hazards. They will look at the footings and posts for signs of water damage, rot, insect infestation or warping in the wood. They will also check that the joists are not sagging and are attached properly with joist hangers and span braces. They will also look at the ledger board, which is bolted to the frame of your house and is a key part of the deck’s structural integrity.
Stairs and railings are another important aspect of the deck that must be inspected regularly. They need to be sturdy and secure, and the spaces between them should not be bigger than 4 inches. This helps to prevent children from slipping through and hurting themselves. In addition, the stairs need to be free of splinters and the handrails should have a gripping surface.
The deck’s support posts are also an important part of its overall stability and must be inspected for rot and significant damage. If they are not large enough, they will not be able to carry the weight of people and furniture on the deck. Additionally, they may need to be replaced if they are showing signs of insect infestation, such as carpenter bees or termites.
In addition, the inspection will include a look at all of the deck’s connections and fasteners, which includes framing brackets, L brackets, span braces and joist hangers. They should all be in good condition and tightened properly, but if they are rusted or show signs of corrosion it could indicate moisture damage and a serious problem that needs to be addressed right away.
Clean the Deck
Regular cleaning and sealing help to protect a deck against natural damage. If neglected, a minor flaw can easily escalate into a major repair or replacement project, costing thousands of dollars. This is why inspections and routine maintenance are so important. A professional can perform a deep clean that removes caked-on dirt and stains and applies a protective coating that will shield the wood from moisture.
A professional will also inspect the deck to ensure that it is safe for use. For instance, if a board is cracked or warped, it may pose a tripping hazard. It is important to repair these issues immediately.
In addition, a professional can inspect the deck’s surface for signs of rot or infestation. They can also make sure that all of the boards are securely attached to each other and the deck railings and stairs are secure. They can also check the flashing, which is a water barrier that must be installed where the deck or porch attaches to the house.
Another important aspect of deck maintenance is sweeping and removing debris. Sweeping regularly helps to keep the deck free of leaves, pine needles, and other debris that can cause a slip and fall hazard. It is also important to sweep frequently after a rainstorm to remove precipitation and reduce the risk of mold and mildew.
Additionally, a deck should be cleaned before applying any type of stain. If a stain is applied over an unclean deck, it will be more difficult to adhere and will ultimately peel away. If you choose to do this yourself, it is important to use a pressure washer with a fan spray nozzle as opposed to a power hose, which can cause the wood to be damaged.
In addition to scrubbing the surface of the deck, it is also necessary to scrub the railings and stairs and rinse them thoroughly. It is also a good idea to use furniture pads on any outdoor furniture that you place on the deck so that it does not scratch or damage the surface of the wood.
Repair Damaged Boards
If your deck’s boards have suffered from severe damage like rot, mildew or mold or are displaying signs of being soft, you’ll need to repair these damaged areas as soon as possible. Otherwise, you could end up with splinters or an unsteady surface that can cause people to fall.
Inspect the entire deck, including the stairs and railings. Look for protruding nails, which can pose a safety hazard and may need to be hammered down. Examine your stair risers and stringers, as well, making sure that they’re tightly secured to the joists below them.
You’ll also want to examine the joists and beams that support your deck, as these are another area of the structure that can weaken over time. Check that they’re not rotting, and inspect the ledger board, which is located at the edge of the deck and connects it to your home. If you see any signs of rotting in the ledger board, then this is a sign that your deck has lost its structural integrity and should be replaced as soon as possible.
During your inspection, look for any boards that have looseness, small holes or feel soft. You should be able to tighten most loose boards, but those that are split or rotting will need to be replaced. If you have any questions about how to repair your deck’s boards, it’s a good idea to speak to a professional contractor or a home improvement expert.
When you’re repairing damaged deck boards, make sure that you use the right type of wood filler and stain. Using a wood filler that isn’t suited to your deck can create an unsightly appearance and can cause further damage if it is not properly sealed.
When replacing a damaged deck board, first remove the existing board and its fasteners from the frame. If it’s affixed with screws or hidden fasteners, undo these and carefully pry the board up. Then, use a miter saw to cut the replacement board to match the old one. Once you’ve cut the new board, place it into the butt joint and secure it with glue. You can use a dab of wood glue, but some manufacturers also sell composite decking repair kits that contain a special product designed to bond with this material.
Seal the Deck
Having a well-maintained deck is a great way to enjoy time with friends and family while enhancing the beauty of your home. However, the elements of sun, rain and mildew can take a toll on the surface and eventually cause damage, such as cracking and rotting. Protect your investment by sealing the deck every year to reduce wear and tear and extend its life.
Before you apply a sealant, use a pressure washer to remove any dirt and grime that has built up on the surface of the deck. Once the deck is completely dry, you can proceed with applying the sealant. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper application, allowing enough time for the sealant to fully absorb into the wood. Do not walk on the deck until it is fully dry, which may take up to 24 hours depending on the weather conditions and the type of sealant used.
The main difference between stain and sealant is that stains are designed to change the color of the wood while sealants simply offer protection from moisture. Stains also tend to have a more dramatic look, while sealant has a more natural finish. If you are looking to alter the look of your deck, a stain is the way to go. However, if you want to keep the natural color of your deck while protecting it from the elements, a sealant is the best option.
You can use a brush, a roller or a paint sprayer to apply the sealant. It is best to work in small sections, applying one area at a time and using a finer brush to get into the cracks between boards and other hard-to-reach areas of the deck. It is important not to apply the sealant too thickly as it can lead to uneven drying and discoloration. If the deck needs to be resealed in the future, make sure you read the label and jot down the date on your calendar to ensure that it is done on time.
Regardless of which type of product you choose, it is essential to keep up with the resealing as it will lose its ability to protect the deck after several years. By resealing the deck regularly, you can minimize wear from moisture and UV rays, which will help prolong its life.