Need-to-Know Repairs to Prepare Your Deck for Summer!

_{What's better than sitting on your deck after a long day, relaxing and enjoying the scenery? Not only are decks ideal for outdoor recreation and relaxation, but a great-looking deck will add value to your home. If your deck is in need of some sprucing up, now is the time to get it done before the temperatures become unbearable and all you want to do is realx on you deck, not work on it. By properly caring for your deck, you can prolong its lifespan and savor it for years to come. Here are tips on how to maintain and improve your deck.} 

_{Cleaning Your Deck}

_{Oftentimes, by the end of the winter season, decks look old and weathered. With a dirty deck it can be hard to tell a smudge from a stain, this is why cleaning your deck before repairing and sealing it is so important. A good cleaning will reveal any areas that are in need of repair and can save you from spending money on unnecessary staining. An overcast day is the optimal time to wash your deck so the water will not evaporate as quickly. The method of cleaning you use is up to you, and there are experts on both sides of the fence regarding the use of power washers. Our recommended method is below.}

• First clear your deck of any furniture, toys, tools, and plants
• Then tie back or trim any branches that are touching your deck
• Wet down any nearby siding or foliage
• Spray all of the dirt and leaves off of the deck with either a garden hose or a pressure washer with a 40-degree fan nozzle
• Using latex gloves, a stiff-bristled cleaning brush, and a good deck cleaning solution, rub the wood in one directions, with the grain, working in small sections from top to bottom. Leave the floorboards for last.
• Let the solution sit for about 15 minutes, then spray it off at a 45-degree angle with your hose or power washer, if you choose to do the project yourself, remember you must keep the tip of the nozzle about 4-8 inches away from the wood and keep it moving so you don't accidentally gouge the wood

Check for Wood Rot

Inspect your deck. Wood decks are particularly susceptible to wood rot since they are regularly hit with rain and sprinklers. Deck collapses are more common than one might think and while some decks fail because they weren't built properly, the most common problem is lack of maintenance. Many homeowners refinish the surface of their deck but leave out the joists, posts, and ledger board. It's vital to inspect your deck annually, if not more often.

Checking for wood rot is simple, if you're able to push a screw driver a 1/4" into the woo, it's time to replace that piece of wood. You should start with the under-structure working your way up to the deck planks. If you do find wood rot, check surrounding areas to see if the rot has spread. Any area in direct contact with the ground underneath is more likely to experience rot because of ground moisture. If you do not have an elevated deck, it's definitely worth looking into to avoid future damage and costly repairs. When replacing any rotted planks, use galvanized or stainless screws, instead of nails to prevent the plank from pulling up.

Panel Replacement

Check to see if your deck surface is even. When walking around if you have any uneven steps or find yourself tripping over cracks, your deck is not even. Wapred wood is a common problem with many decks. An easy fix is to replace the deck boards that are causing the problems. Since each piece screws in individually, it's easy to replace certain boards without affecting the ones around them. On the other hand, don't bother replacing a deck plank that has split, unless it flexes under foot. (since treated lumber is generally quite wet, splitting occurs naturally as the lumber dries.

Sanding and Sealing or Staining

It's important to wait 3-4 consecutive rain-free days for the deck to dry completely before staining it. After waiting the specified time, sweep off any debris and dust off the deck. Then use a wide brush with synthetic filaments to apply the stain, making sure to apply with the grain. Start at the highest point of your deck and work your way down to the lowest. Wipe up all drips, runs and pools immediately so the color isn't uneven. Make sure to stir your stain frequently during application so the color stays even. Allow your deck to dry for at least two days before walking on it. If you prefer the look of natural wood, sealing is another option. Sealing, unlike painting, absorbs into the wood to seal in color as opposed to covering it up. This process will also help to protect your deck from the elements. A quality water repelant deck sealant that coats your deck's surface and fills the cracks will give your deck ultimate protection in the winter as well. 

Enjoy the summer weather and let Top Dog do the rest. We specialize in a variety of exterior maintenance and repair projects.