Fall is the perfect time to clean up the yard and make sure your siding, deck and lawn are ready for the long cold winter months. Have you installed a brand new deck recently? It may look beautiful now, but if it’s not maintained properly, it may start to fade over time. Here are some ways to maintain your deck.
Autumn is the perfect time for washing and sealing. If you missed this step in the Spring, it’s best to do it now before you wait until the new year. You need to do it while the temperature is still warm enough to avoid frost issues.
If you have shrubs or greenery growing around your deck, make sure they get a proper trimming. This will ensure no root overgrow will happen and cause damage to your deck. If you are also experiencing foliage falling on your deck, you could even trim some branches away to help reduce the debris piling up in the edges. The standard rule is trim trees and shrubs at least twelve inches away from your deck so that there is no issue of mold or rot.
Inspect your deck for any signs of damage. It’s always a good idea to repair any damage before the winter months to avoid any further issues or longer term damage. This could lead to an expensive repair in the spring.
Take a look at the edges for any signs of discoloration, wet spots or rot. Make sure to pay special attention to the stairs. The wood should never be soft. If you spot any spaces that are experiencing rot, they should be removed and treated accordingly. If you see large areas of rotting spots, it may be time to call in a professional to take a look for you.
Don’t forget to check underneath the deck as well. If your framing is attached to your house, pay special attention to the ledger to ensure there is no damage. Make sure that it’s attached with screws, not nails.
The next step would be to check the beams and all the joints and hardware. If anything is rusting away or rotted, they should be replaced. If you are seeing nail pops or extensive damage like sideways screws, it’d be best to contact a professional deck repair company rather than trying to solve this issue yourself.
The frame should never be easy to move. It should be stiff and property reinforced. If there is rot or it’s wobbly at all, then it needs to be taken care of before winter comes. All the weight of the snow will contribute to further damage.
The last steps for fall maintenance checks would be to check for rotten or wobbly boards. They should be reinforced with more screws, or replaced depending on the extent of the damage.
In order to maintain and preserve your deck for years to come, make sure you follow these tips. It’s better to be preventative than try to fix a larger and more costly mistake down the road.
