Summer is an arduous time for homeowners, and deck maintenance is included in the to-do list. The weather wears out your deck, and we would love to give you some tips to help you take care of your deck. In this blog, we will go over a few steps you can take that will make your summer deck look fresh and new.
Washing your deck
Before you start, getting your deck as clean as possible is important. As soon as the warm weather breaks, give your deck a good sweep. You can also check for debris falling through the boards with a putty knife. Next, wash your deck. You want to remove any dirt or mold that’s accumulated over time.
Power washing your deck can help remove dirt build-up on the grimiest of decks. It can also help you clean in between the boards. Before doing any other maintenance on the deck, ensure it has a whole night to dry. Try to avoid using the deck until it is thoroughly dry after cleaning.
Seal your deck
Sealing or staining can preserve the look of your deck and protect it against water and sun damage.
Decks need to be dried entirely and sanded before sealing. This is a 2-day project, so ensure your weather forecast does not predict rain.
Choose between a solid or semi-transparent stain. A semi-transparent finish is optimal, but solid stains can emphasize details like railings.
Using a roller, seal your deck with two thin coats of stain, ensuring it doesn’t puddle. If you opt for a spray stain, make sure to cover any nearby plants or furniture adequately.
Replace loose or popped nails
Loose nails can be pried out with a hammer and replaced with a new nail using a screw.
Hammering a nail back into a hole is fine, but it’s only a temporary fix. Eventually, you’ll have to replace it again. That’s because the hole has become larger.
Use nails the same size as the nails in your deck—just hammer in the replacement nail close to the hole.
Then, insert a deck screw so that its head covers the top of the nail. This will prevent the nail from popping out in the future. You can smooth over the rest of the hole with putty to cement the nail and deck screw further in place.
Remove split or rotting wood
A split board on your deck looks terrible and can increase the chances of catching splinters. This is also an excellent time to check for wood rot. Repairs are essential to the durability and safety of your deck.
To remove a split board or a board that’s rotted, first, you want to mark the damaged area. Doing so will help you size the replacement board. You can also cut to size. Then, remove the split board’s nails or screws using a jigsaw power tool. Once this is done, you can install the replacement board. Make sure the nails or screws are thoroughly in place before sanding.
Conclusion
Routine deck maintenance can be tedious. You can do simple tasks to ensure your hard work doesn’t go to waste. To prevent stains, it’s important to sweep your deck regularly. Accumulated dirt and debris will stain your deck. Sitting water is also not suitable for the boards. Keep in mind the chemicals you use near your deck.
We hope to have the necessary tools and information at your reach. You can always contact us for professional deck maintenance or repair services.