If your deck gets damaged or begins to become structurally unsound, repairing or replacing it can get pretty costly. Have you ever heard the saying, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”? Maintaining your deck is the best, most economical option. To help prevent expensive problems from developing, here are some tips for extending the life of your deck.
Regular Inspections
Once or twice a year, it’s a good idea to check on the structure and overall state of your deck. You can perform these inspections yourself — no need to hire a professional (unless that’s what you prefer!). Look for moisture build-up on joints, especially the butt joints, and also on the posts and beams of your deck. Pooled water threatens the structural integrity of your deck, so you’ll want to be sure that any standing water is able to properly drain away.
Prevent Insect Damage
While you are inspecting your deck, keep an eye out for insect damage. Old wasps’ nests, carpenter bee holes, and other damage will need to be repaired. Wood putty works for repairing holes and gauges, and wasps’ nests can be knocked down or scraped off (just make sure they are not occupied!). Be on the lookout for bees and wasps that may be building nests, and treat the area accordingly. Take steps to prevent insects from eating your deck or making their homes in it. Keeping it sealed and painted is a good first step.
Paint and Sealants
A fresh coat of paint or stain not only prolongs the life of your deck, but gives it a fresh look too! Start by replacing cracked or damaged boards, changing loose nails, and sealing cracks with an adhesive. If you are using a sealant, you can stain the deck first and then apply the sealant. Deck stains and sealers are similar products, where a sealer is transparent and a stain seals color into the wood. Both help preserve your deck by repelling water and often include UV-blockers. Power washing before staining, painting, and/or sealing is recommended for best results.
Keep It Clean
Regularly spray your deck down with a garden hose. If there is some dirt build-up, algae, mold, or mildew, use a scrub brush and mild soap and water to scrub these areas. Just a note – make sure the scrub brush you use has nylon or natural bristles. A wire brush or steel wool pad can cause deep scratches with metallic stains. Using a power washer every year or so is also a great idea, as long as you keep the PSI under 2500.
Build a Deck That Lasts
If you’re having to clean, inspect, and eventually upgrade your deck, when do you actually find time to enjoy it? Composite and PVC decking are popular choices due to their ease of maintenance, design flexibility, and durability. One of the main benefits of choosing composite decking is that you’ll spend minimal time on maintenance. With composite decking, you won’t have to paint, seal or stain as you would with other materials.
Every generation of our family has grown up in the lumber business. And we love that we get to share our passion with our customers every day. But, most of all, we take the Dain’s Lumber legacy of quality, expertise, service, and craftsmanship very seriously. When you come to us, you know you’re getting over 170 years’ worth of history behind every product, piece of advice, and interaction you receive. Visit our website or give us a call at 914-737-2000 to discuss your projects today.
