A deck is an investment that can provide years of enjoyment and memories for homeowners and families, but some take it for granted and forget to maintain it… leading to it wearing down or even rotting. This can shorten your deck’s lifespan and even make it a hazard to walk on. The answer? Deck maintenance. No matter what your deck is made out of, this article will help guide you in being a responsible deck owner and give you the skills and know-how to keep your deck in tip-top shape, year-round.
What Happens If I Don’t Maintain My Deck?
Some lumber on wooden decks is treated already, meaning it has better resistance to the elements built-in. However that does not mean that homeowners should leave it that way to preserve its “natural look”. If a deck goes years without any attention, it will experience noticeable greying as oxidation from the sun and rain take over. It will also experience splintering, warping, rotting, and cracking.
Leaving the deck untreated for just one year will not leave it unusable, but maintaining it with a yearly routine will allow it to substantially outlive an untreated one. This will help retain its value, as well as the value of the house. For composite decks, rot and splintering are not much of an issue, but they still require deck maintenance. Mold and mildew can grow from longstanding water as well as cause fading of color and stain.
Wooden Deck Maintenance:
Regular Inspections
In the summer months when the air is warm and dry, inspect the decks for any signs of rot and whether or not it is still structurally sound. Do not ignore the area where the deck meets the house. If your deck has stairs, inspect where any parts where any steps may be connected. Wiggle your railings to see if any are loose. And make sure any pieces that are not part of the base are secured tightly.
If there are any nails or screws loose or sticking out, remove them and replace them with wood screws. Next, if there are any noticeable holes, fill them with exterior wood filler. If any of the attaching hardware looks rusted, replace it immediately. Then if there are ever leaves setting on the surface, sweep them clear to prevent moisture from being trapped underneath. Finally, if any of the deck boards are broken or damaged, remove them with a claw hammer. Then replace it with a new plank of the same wood that has been cut to fit.
Cleaning
Try and keep your deck clean of any mold or bacteria that may grow from damp areas. Clear the top of any furnishings and sweep it clean of any debris. If there is any debris that is lodged between any of the boards, pry it out using a putty knife. Once it is cleared of any obstructions, spray or brush over the surface using a biodegradable outdoor cleaner that removes mildew and bacteria.
If there are any especially dirty places, use a hard-bristled brush to scrub away any stubborn mold or mildew. Then rinse the deck using a hard-streaming garden-hose nozzle, or, if it is at your disposal, a power-washer. If you do happen to have one handy, make sure to never keep the nozzle pointed at one spot – sweep the nozzle along the wood grain, about 6-8 inches above the deck’s surface.
Staining/Sealing Preparation
Once clean, begin preparation to stain or seal the surface. Cover any nearby vegetation with plastic sheeting so they do not get any excess cleaner or stain on them. Apply painters tape along the house where it meets the deck, and clean off any loose paint or dirt that was not removed during the cleaning process.
Before applying the stain or sealant, sanding the surface of the deck will allow the wood to absorb the coating better and will create a smoother, more comfortable surface. This will remove any splinters that may have appeared if you had chosen to clean with a power washer. 60 to 80 grit sandpaper is recommended for the main deck boards, while the railing and will be better off with 80 to 100 grit sandpaper. Once sanded, either vacuum or use an air compressor to remove any sawdust that may have settled during the sanding process.
Staining/Sealing
Before applying the stain or sealant, make sure the wood has had at least 2 days to dry after cleaning, and be sure to check the weather for rain beforehand (make sure that it has at least 24 hours to dry after the application). Start by applying the stain or sealant to the handrails using a paintbrush, starting from the top and working your way to the bottom. Depending on the product you choose, different paintbrushes require different methods of application. Use a natural-bristle brush for oil-based products and synthetic-bristle brushes for water-based stains.
Once the railings are completed, start sealing the surface deck using a paint roller or flat paint-pad applicator. Follow the instructions on how long to allow the stain to soak, and if there is any excess buildup, remove it using a rag. Because stain dries rather quickly, avoid applying in direct sunlight to give the stain time to soak into the wood. Depending on the wood of your deck, porous wood may need a second coat for even coverage throughout. Once the 24 hours are up, you may remove the painters tape along the house as well as the plastic coverings on your plants.
Maintenance
Once stained, there are methods to prevent damage from taking hold after just a few months. Anything that covers the surface of the deck should be rearranged periodically to prevent sunlight from causing any faded color patches. This will also allow any water buildup to dry to prevent mold and mildew from developing. Try to avoid using rugs or mats that may trap moisture underneath for that same reason, and choose plastic or synthetic material ones that breathe better. Make sure to maintain any foliage that comes in close contact with your deck and keep them around 12 inches away to prevent any moss or mold from building up. When cleaning your deck, never use chlorine bleach, as it may ruin your deck’s natural color and damage its cellular structure. If you come to find any cracks, fill them with wood filler, spackle, or caulk, and then sand until flush.
Composite Deck Maintenance:
Regular Inspections
Composite decks are a lot easier to maintain and do not require repainting or resealing… but that does not mean that they are deck maintenance-free. Anything that exists outside for that long will eventually succumb to the elements, so about once a year, make sure to perform a deck check-up. Remove any objects on the surface and inspect your deck annually just as you would for a wooden deck.
Scrub the deck with a soft bristle brush with cleaning solution that has been endorsed by the deck producer, then rinse it off. If you have access to a power-washer, make sure that you never keep the nozzle pointed in once place and instead, sweep it across the boards. If you have a grill located on the deck surface, make sure to keep a flame-resistant mat or deck stones underneath the grill, as heat and splattered grease may ruin a composite deck.
Cleaning
Rot is not much of a worry for composite deck owners. However, the buildup of mold and lichen can still be an issue. Remove any rocks or debris that may get lodged between the boards using a putty knife. Regularly sweep the surface clean of any leaves and debris that builds to allow proper runoff of water. This prevents any moisture from building up beneath objects that may eventually discolor the planks. Complete your deck check-up by rinsing off the surface using a normal water hose.
And That’s It – Deck Maintenance Complete!
Our goal with these articles is to help you get the information you need to make educated choices for your home and family. If you’ve found this helpful, share it with others. If you have questions or would like to request other topics to be covered, send us a quick email! We’d love to hear from you!
Contact Us to schedule your free project consultation.
Or check out some of our projects at our Facebook page.
You can also see more articles about the industry on our Blog.