Damage can occur if decks aren’t properly maintained. Whether you own Castle Rock real estate, or Glen Allen real estate, if you have a deck, there are a few things you can do to prolong the life. Even composite decking should be cleaned once a year and stains should be treated immediately so they won’t soak in.
- Clean the decking thoroughly at least once a year. Many homeowners might opt for pressure washing because it is easier than a bucket and a scrub brush. Although power washing is a great time saver, be careful not to use too powerful a setting. Sometimes a good old fashioned scrub brush & bucket is best at getting to all parts of the deck.
- Check the label on the cleaners you use, ones that contain bleach will fade the wood and harm sealants.
- Check all railings and make sure they are secure. This should go without saying, but they can be a safety hazard that can cost you thousands in medical bills, too.
- Leafs & other debris can accumlate between boards if not dealt with regularly. Insects also love to hide there. Clean between every board.
- Even if not staining, be sure to seal the deck annually. A sign that you need to reseal your deck is when water stops beading. Watch out for problems caused by moisture such as splitting of the wood that is caused by expansion & contraction.
- If boards are secured with nails, when they loosen, remove them and replace with deck screws. Most deck boards are screwed down, although some cheaper and older decks have nails, which will need to be hammered down every year. After a while, replacement of certain boards will be necessary due to warping & splintering that can’t be fixed with just sanding. Careful attention should be paid to loose boards for safety reasons, too.
- Store deck furniture where it won’t rust on the deck over the winter months. Metal furniture may cause a problem with this, but plastic or resin tables & chairs just might.
- Immediately sweep any leaves and other debris from the decking to keep it clean and keep fungus or mold from growing and rot from occurring. If you have a wood deck, make sure to keep it clean and dry as often as possible.
Keep the above tips in mind & you could extend the life of your deck by two or three times.
This article was provided by Automated Homefinder, LLC.