With the warm weather just around the corner, ensuring your deck is in top shape for outside enjoyment is a priority. There are a few ways to keep your space well maintained all year round.  Yearly maintenance will dramatically increase the life of your deck.  Below are five tips for this season.

How to Maintain Your Deck

1. Spring Washing

Clear away any loose debris, especially between planks and around joists. For decks with tough stains and grime, consider power washing. Once the dirt and leaves are swept away, choose an overcast day and apply a deck cleanser designed for the material you have, whether that is wood, composite, or vinyl. When it’s cloudy, the sun’s rays won’t affect the cleanser’s potency by evaporating it too quickly.

2. Sanding & Sealing

After your deck is thoroughly dry, sand away any uneven areas or imperfections, and replace damaged or missing screws. Then, apply a sealer or stain to protect the planks. You can choose a clear option that will retain the color of your deck while still keeping it strong, or you may opt for one with a tone to slightly tint your boards. There are also opaque stains that completely cover the wood or wooden texture.  Make sure to consider curing techniques required by pressure treated wood in order to avoid bulk failure of applied sealer or stains.  

3. Inspecting for Rot

Look over every part of your deck for signs of structural issues and rot. Inspect around the joists and even under the railings and stairs. Rot will weaken your deck’s integrity and should be remedied quickly. If you notice large sections of rot, mold, or mildew, call a professional for handyman services so they can purge or replace trouble spots.  Specialty products are available to remedy severely damaged deck boards, but act quickly as there are limits to what can be corrected.  

4. Preparing for Fall

At the end of the hot season, take proper measures to protect your deck through the cold. Clear away loose dirt again, and make sure any greenery is trim to reduce plant debris. Move planters and furniture around or put them away so that they will not discolor your planks.

5. Removing Leaves

Throughout the year, make sure leaves and other plant debris do not pile up around your deck. Not only does this make your property look messy and harder to clean, but it also creates the perfect breeding ground for insects and mold.  

 

For handyman services, as well as plumbing, painting, and electrical services, call J&M Works. Located in Lewis Center, OH, their team of professionals provides exceptional offerings to keep your property in top shape. From plumbing repairs to drywall installations for your remodeling project, their staff will help you plan and execute every project within your budget. To discuss their many handyman services, call (740) 358-6875 or visit them online for a look at their past work.