Get Your Deck Ready for Summer with These Tips

deck mountains

Summertime is fast approaching. Take a moment to review these tips for maintaining your deck so you can enjoy your time outside when the warm weather arrives.

Clean

1. Clear the deck– Remove all deck furniture, grills and potted plants, etc.

2. Sweep – To prevent mildew and algae growth remove all loose dirt and leaves accumulated on the deck floor. Use the broom to remove any cobwebs or loose dirt on railings.

3. Remove debris– To help prevent rot, remove any debris that may be caught between deck boards with a putty knife. Also, take this time to remove leaves and debris from gutters that may be overhanging the deck.  Doing this will make sure water is being diverted away from the deck floors and your exterior walls.

4. Wash– Once all loose debris is removed wet down the deck with a hose and apply a quality wood cleaner like Log Wash. To brighten and remove discoloration or gray wood, use X-180 Weathered Wood Restorer, KleenStart or All Wood Cleaner.

5. Dry – Allow wood to dry completely (usually 2-4 dry days) before moving deck furniture, etc back onto the deck.

6. Clear away vegetation – Take time to clear away leaves, dried pine needles, branches or dead vegetation around the perimeters of the deck to help protect your home from potential fire under very dry conditions.

Inspect

1. Floor boards – Check boards for damage, rot, warping, cracking and stability. Remove and replace all popped nails and screws or rusted hardware.

2. Structural supports – Inspect all post, beams, joists and the ledger (area where deck is attached to the house) for rot, stability, cracks and damage. Make sure all hardware is is good condition and with no rust.

3. Railings – Give the railings a good tug and make sure they are secure. Check for rot with special attention to areas where the spindles connect to the deck floor and the rail.

Repair

1. Make all necessary repairs. Replace boards where necessary. Replace rusted hardware with new hardware, etc.

Maintain

1. Once repairs are completed decide if the wood needs a new coat of stain. We always recommend staying with the brand of stain currently on the deck and apply a maintenance coat as directed by the manufacturer.  If you are not  satisfied with the durability and quality of your current deck finish consider finding a compatible new finish.