5 Deck Maintenance Tips for Summer
Posted on July 27, 2021
With the mild temperatures and dry weather, take advantage of summer to protect and beautify your deck and wood around your house. Decks are sturdy and lasting with regular maintenance. Protect the wood through the winter with these 5 deck maintenance tips for summer.
1. Clean
Start this project with a clean surface. With the warm weather, head outside and sweep off the deck to free it of any debris. Follow this with a washing, using your hose. If you choose to utilize a pressure washer, know that too much PSI can damage the deck by creating divots and pits. A stiff brush and soap and water will usually suffice to clean off debris and dirt. If your previous stain or paint is beginning to peel, a chemical stripper can restore your surfaces. These can cause quite a deal of damage, so if you are unsure of usage, consider a pro. Allow your deck to fully dry overnight with no rain before moving on to the next step.
2. Address Nails
Nails can pop up or fall out over time on your deck. Stepping on a popped nail head can ruin a barbecue. Take a hammer and tap down any loose nail heads. While it’s a temporary fix, it will work for the resealing. To permanently fix it, use a deck screw that will hold more securely.
3. Damage
Split boards and rotting wood can occur even with the best maintenance and care. Catching a splinter in the foot will ruin your afternoon. Remove boards that are too damaged for the sealing to fill cracks. Cut and replace the damaged wood with a new board. Search out darker areas and make sure there is no hidden rotting areas. Replace them the same way.
4. Seal
Raw wood cannot possibly stand up to weather and wear. Adding a seal or paint to the deck allows the wood to better deal with moisture, sun and other regular damage. Your deck must be completely dried and sanded before a sealing. Plan for a weekend or several days to complete this work.
If you choose to perform this yourself, you’ll need to roll on the seal or paint quickly. Use several thin coats being sure that there are no puddles or pooling.
5. Maintenance
Deck maintenance can feel tedious, but putting in some time each spring or summer can ensure that the task isn’t as big. Regularly sweep the deck and perform washing as necessary. Prevention will save time and effort later.
Get Expert Help
For larger projects or professional deck maintenance help, our team is here to help. Learn about our deck services, see our portfolio and then schedule a free, no-obligation estimate.
