Tips for a Summer-Ready Deck
A freshly cleaned surface and no furniture in the way means it is the perfect opportunity to refresh the deck’s paint or stain.
Before planning the annual summertime parties, ensuring the deck is ready for summer is essential. Even if it looks okay at a distance, a little maintenance and investing the time in a closer inspection will keep the deck in good condition, saving the homeowner money and time spent on repairs.
Clear the deck’s surface
It may be tedious, but removing the furniture, grill, and decorations is crucial because it gives the homeowner a clear view of the surfaces and allows for a more thorough cleaning.
Consider power washing the deck instead of hosing it off. However, because the intensely powerful stream can easily damage wood, hiring a professional to power wash the surfaces is best. The transformation can be significant. Removing the dirt, mold, and mildew will brighten the deck’s surfaces and extend the paint’s or stain’s life.
Check the deck for dry rot
Rot can be a severe issue, especially if not caught early. There are a few ways to check for rotten boards.
Walk across the boards, feeling for places where the wood bounces a little or gives underfoot.
Look for crumbling, weak sections.
Armed with a screwdriver or even a large nail, take a look under the deck for rot by poking the beams, joists between the boards, and the ledge where the deck connects to the house. Wood that gives easily is likely rotted.
Address the problem of rotten wood head-on. Hire a professional to repair the impacted sections; dry rot is a fungus that will only continue to spread if left unchecked. In other words, the problem will always be around but will become more prominent every year.
If the yard has a sprinkler system, ensure the water doesn’t reach the deck. Repeated exposure to water can be a problem for decks and stucco siding. It’s also essential to ensure the gaps between the boards aren’t plugged so water can drain freely. Pooled water spells disaster for wood.
Protect the deck from sun and decay
A freshly cleaned surface and no furniture in the way means it is the perfect opportunity to refresh the deck’s paint or stain. It looks great and will help inhibit mold growth, mildew, dry rot, and decay from the sun’s UV rays.
Talk with friends and family members to learn who they’ve used for this work for homeowners considering professional deck repair. Read online reviews for local contractors and ask for quotes on the project before deciding.
Clover Valley Home Service offers reliable service in plumbing, electrical, carpentry, baseboard and crown molding, sprinkler repair, fence repair or replacement, yard work and cleanup, and fire defense space preparation services. Our work is guaranteed. Call (916) 742-3141 today!
