Every year, you should conduct a thorough deck inspection. Look for loose boards, rusty hardware or signs of wood rot.
Repair any loose or rotten boards and tighten all fasteners. Sand rough spots to prevent splinters and apply a water-repellent sealant to guard against moisture damage. A deck that is not properly maintained can quickly become a safety hazard. Contact Mount Joy Company LLC for professional help.
Keeping your deck free from debris is one of the best things you can do to prolong the life of it. It also helps prevent the growth of mold or mildew which, if not removed, can lead to rot. In addition, a clean deck is safer to walk on as it will not be covered in tripping hazards such as sticks, toys, planters and other clutter.
Ideally, wood composite or vinyl decks should be cleaned using a commercial cleaner that is specifically designed for that material. However, all decks require periodic cleaning, even if the material is not in a rotting condition. Most cleaning solutions can be applied with a pump-style garden sprayer and should be used according to the manufacturer’s instructions. In order to avoid over-spraying and possibly damaging plants and other greenery, it is often a good idea to cover them with a tarp while cleaning.
If your deck is made from wood, it is important to use a cleaner that is safe for treated lumber. Many commercial cleaners contain chlorine bleach which, if used in excess, will damage the wood, leaving it with an unnatural whitewashed appearance. Additionally, chlorine bleach raises the wood fibers resulting in a fuzzy surface that eventually will fray and break down.
In addition to choosing a safe cleaner, it is also important to use a high-quality pressure washer when cleaning. Many low-end pressure washers will cause excessive friction that can scratch or damage the surface of the wood. A nozzle that is a fan spread rather than a narrow stream should be used as it will allow the pressure washer to be used safely and effectively.
Once your deck has been thoroughly cleaned it is important to allow it to dry thoroughly. This will help to ensure that no dirt or grime is trapped between the wood grain and will allow the stain to properly soak into it.
Before applying any oil to your deck it is recommended that you brush or sweep it again to remove any dirt or debris that may have accumulated during the drying process. Be sure to also inspect your deck for abrasions and other damage, as well as tripping hazards.
Inspection
A deck is a key part of a home and the primary place where family gatherings take place. It is also a spot where kids play and adults relax in the open air, so it’s important to ensure that it is safe for these activities. A regular inspection of the deck can catch safety hazards before they become a serious problem, like rotting boards and loose or protruding nails.
The structure of a deck is typically a combination of concrete footings, wood posts and beams and, depending on the design of the deck, may include moisture resistance measures. Wood decomposition is the major cause of structural failure in residential decks, says certified professional inspector Pete Bagwell of InterNACHI. To test for rot, probe the wood with a screwdriver to see how it reacts. Healthy wood will splinter, while rotted wood feels soft and spongy.
Checking for connections is a critical part of the inspection. Often, the wood in a deck is held together with brackets like T brackets, L brackets, span braces and joist hangers. All of these components should be tight with no exposed gaps that suggest loosened fasteners or other problems.
Another part of the deck that requires close attention is the ledger, which connects the deck to the house. The deck should be attached with flashing, which is a metal material that shields the wood against moisture, says Reeder. Look for this flashing underneath the deck to see if it is intact and properly protected.
Stairs and railings are the most obvious components of a deck to inspect. Check that the stairs are not too steep or narrow, and that handrails are securely mounted to balusters (the lateral pieces of a railing) and that they are spaced correctly in relation to the stair stringer. Also, give the stair stringers a good shake to make sure they are stable and not warped.
Examine the deck’s railing system for rust, loose sections and areas that have lost their protective stain. Many injuries from falling on decks are due to railing collapse, so this is a particularly important area to check regularly. Give the railing a good tug to confirm that it has substantial lateral strength, as specified by some building codes, and to check that it is anchored to the posts.
Repair
When it comes to deciding whether to repair or replace your deck, looking at how frequently you’ll have to do repairs in the future should be taken into account. If your deck is nearing the end of its lifespan, it’s usually better to replace it if possible. However, if you’ve made good repairs and you know that you’ll be able to get many more years of life out of it before needing to do so again, then repairing is a good choice.
Keep an eye out for small patches of rot and cracks that can spread quickly. If you notice them, remove the rotted section and treat the surrounding area with preservative. Also check the flashing, which is a vital water barrier required where porches, decks or stairs attach to a wall or other structure. If it’s loose, you should replace it as soon as possible.
Decks are not immune to insect damage, either. Look for wood flakes on the ground or signs of termite or carpenter ant damage in and around deck posts, and always have an exterminator inspect if you suspect pests have invaded. Woodpecker damage is more difficult to spot, but it’s usually accompanied by numerous holes in the deck boards and a lot of wood dust on the ground below the deck.
If a board has been damaged by rot, it should be replaced as soon as possible to prevent further damage and splinters. This is a relatively easy job that can be done by removing the damaged section of the board and then adding splints of comparable pressure-treated lumber to support it. The splints should be attached with two or three 3-inch deck screws every 12 inches, and the joists below that section should be treated and protected as well.
After a board is repaired, you should treat it with a semitransparent stain that contains a mildewcide, as well as a water repellent. This will help slow the recurrence of problems and keep your deck looking great for years to come. It’s best to wait 60-90 days after new decking is installed before staining it, since the wood needs to fully weather.
Staining
A properly stained deck protects the surface from damage and helps prevent mold and mildew. Stains are available in clear wood preservatives, which will keep the wood looking new but won’t provide any color, or exterior stains that can give your deck a beautiful natural look. Choose a stain that can also repel water to help minimize damage from rain and snow.
If you’re staining a newer deck, it’s important to clean the surface before beginning. This removes mill scale, which can cause uneven results. It also makes the surface slightly more porous, allowing the stain to soak into the wood and result in true-to-color results.
Once the deck is clean, it’s time to start staining. Make sure to choose a day with moderate temperatures and little wind. Stains need to be able to penetrate into the wood without drying too quickly, and a breeze can blow the stain around and create inconsistent results.
It’s also a good idea to cover plants and furnishings with plastic or tarps while staining the deck. The stain can drip and splash onto the foliage or furniture and damage them.
Before beginning, read the instructions on the stain can closely. You’ll find that some stains require two coats, while others suggest only one coat is necessary. The number of coats required will depend on the type of stain you’re using, how fast it dries, and the temperature and humidity.
When applying the stain, it’s best to work on one board at a time. If you apply too much, it will begin to bubble and peel up, so be careful to follow the instructions. Also, be sure to brush out the stain after each application. This will prevent puddles of stain that don’t fully penetrate into the wood and can lead to cracking, peeling, or flaking down the road.
To get the best results, it’s helpful to work with a partner. One person can roll on the stain while the other brushes. Use a smaller paintbrush to reach any areas that the roller or pad can’t reach, such as spindles, stairs, and the spaces between deck boards. Once the deck is finished, allow it to dry for at least 24 hours before placing furniture on it.
