Regular cleaning and inspections will prevent the buildup of mold and mildew, which can damage decking. Checking for cracks that may develop around fasteners (nails or screws) and looking for rust should also be part of the routine.
Make sure the ledger board is securely attached to the framing. This is critical for safety and to avoid structural problems. Contact Mount Joy Company LLC for professional help.
A deck is a great addition to a home but it can be dangerous if it’s not properly maintained. This is why it’s important to have your deck inspected on a regular basis by a professional to ensure that it is safe for everyone who uses it. This will help save you thousands of dollars in costly repairs down the road and ensure that your deck is up to code.
When inspecting a deck, look for loose boards, protruding nails, and any other signs of wear. You should also look for rot, mildew, and insect infestation. If you notice any of these problems, they should be repaired immediately to prevent further damage and keep people safe.
It is important to go under your deck and check the joists and posts for damage. You can do this by crawling underneath the deck or by using a ladder. You will want to look for rusting bolts, screws, and connector plates. You should also look for any areas where the joists or posts are showing signs of rot. If you find any rotted or damaged sections of your deck, you will need to have them replaced immediately to avoid collapse and safety hazards.
Another thing to look for is that the ledger board (the piece of framing that attaches the deck to the house) is in good condition. This is a key area that is responsible for 90% of all deck collapses. If the ledger is not in good condition, it could cause the deck to move away from the house and eventually collapse. Make sure that the ledger is securely attached to the house with lag screws and that it has flashing installed to protect it from water.
You will also want to make sure that the concrete piers for your deck are in good shape. You will want to make sure that they are below the frost line (in Michigan this is 42”) and that the bottom of each pier is secure in the ground. You may also want to look for any areas where the concrete is leaking or cracking.
Cleaning
After a long winter and spring, your deck may be covered in debris such as leaves, sticks, pine cones, and even small branches. Sweeping these items promptly–ideally, on a daily basis–prevents them from being ground into the deck’s surface, decreasing how often you need to clean it. A light sweeping or use of a cordless blower also removes dust, which helps prevent scratching the surface. It’s important to trim back any overhanging plants that can obstruct your cleaning process or contribute to moisture buildup on the deck surface.
If your deck has stains such as food spills, grease splatters, or algae, you should apply a wood deck cleaner or grease-fighting dish soap to the area. Scrub the spot with a brush or scrub pad, and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, use a hose to rinse the area. If necessary, you can repeat this step until the stain lifts.
When cleaning your deck, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the specific product you choose. Avoid harsh, abrasive cleaners that could damage the decking. You should also steer clear of cleaners that contain glycol ethers or ethanol-type solvents such as isopropyl alcohol, which can damage the wood and cause it to splinter.
Once the deck has been thoroughly cleaned, it should be allowed to dry completely before you replace furniture or walk on it. This can take anywhere from several hours to a full day depending on the weather conditions and the type of wood used for your deck. While the deck is drying, you should inspect it for any signs of mold, mildew, rot, or other damage.
Inspect the area around deck fasteners and attachments, and tighten loose screws or nails if needed. Also, poke your finger into the surface of the deck to check for soft or spongy areas that could indicate dry rot. Finally, check the underside of the deck for sagging or warping boards. If you find these, you should contact a qualified deck contractor for advice and assistance. They will be able to repair the problem before it worsens, and help you make the most of your outdoor living space.
Sealing
Sealing helps to keep a deck in good condition by repelling water and slowing the growth of mold, mildew, and other fungi that can damage wood. A quality deck sealant will also protect the surface from the sun’s powerful UV rays, making it last longer and looking better. However, before you can apply a new coat of deck sealant to your old or newly installed deck, you must take the time to prepare the surface by cleaning and sanding as needed.
Scrub your deck with a power washer and a brush to remove dirt, grime, stains, and any other unwanted material. Be sure to rinse away the cleaning solution afterward to remove any residue. Once the deck is clean and dry, it’s ready to be sealed.
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for preparation and drying times, as these can vary based on your climate zone and type of deck. Ideally, you should plan to stain or seal your deck on a warm and sunny day that’s not too windy.
Once the deck is ready for sealing, you can use a brush, paint roller, or sprayer to apply a thin coat of sealant over two-to-three boards at a time. It’s important to apply a thin coat that spreads evenly over the surface to prevent puddles or uneven coverage.
Don’t forget to apply the sealant to the space between boards as well, as these spaces are often neglected and can be a breeding ground for rot and other problems. When the first coat dries, it’s important to stay off your deck for 48 hours to ensure the finish has a chance to set properly. To make this task easier, consider placing yellow caution tape across the doors and stairs to remind family members and guests to stay off the deck until it’s completely dry.
If you’re in the market for a new deck, be sure to work with a company that uses high-quality materials and follows proper installation methods. A professional will also help you choose the right color and style to match your home’s exterior and your personal preferences.
Repairing
If the joists and other structural components of your deck have been exposed to moisture for a long time, there may be signs of wood rot. Look for soft, spongy wood, which is often an indication that dry rot has set in. Poking the wood with a screwdriver also helps to uncover any soft areas. If you suspect wood rot, call in a professional to assess the damage and perform any necessary repairs.
Loose boards can become trip hazards, so take a close look at any board that seems to be loose or coming off the joists. If a board is visibly rotten, splintering or separating from the joist, it should be removed and replaced immediately to prevent further damage. The same goes for a railing that is sagging or a ledger that has deteriorated, as these issues can create serious safety risks for anyone using the deck.
Cracks in decking can make the deck appear unattractive and also leave the wood vulnerable to water damage. Filling small cracks with latex wood filler can help to fix the problem, but if the cracks are more than six inches wide, the board will likely need to be replaced completely.
In addition to cracks and rot, the deck should be repaired if there are any signs of insect infestation. Insects such as termites, carpenter ants and woodpeckers can ruin a deck, and they’re usually easier to spot than rot or wood damage. Look for holes in the deck boards or the ground beneath them, wood dust and debris on the ground below the deck and any other signs of pest damage.
Once the deck is finished being cleaned and repaired, it’s important to protect it from future damage with a coat of sealant or stain. Re-staining the deck annually is generally recommended, and it’s a good idea to use a color that matches or is slightly darker than the existing stain for best results.
Performing regular maintenance on your deck is always less time consuming and costly than replacing it altogether before its natural life cycle runs out. By repairing small issues like popped nails and patching cracked or rotted boards, you can ensure your deck lasts for years to come.