Recommendations for routine maintenance of the wooden deck

Wood decks and patios are a wonderful addition to any home or property that can be enjoyed most of the year. But if you don’t maintain your wooden deck properly, it will start to deteriorate faster, leading to things like warped boards, wood rot, and moss infestations. These damages can not only make a platform unattractive, it can also make it unsafe to use. Read on to learn how to properly maintain and repair a wooded deck so you can enjoy your wooden deck or patio all year long and for years to come.

Common Problems with Wooden decks

It’s important to regularly inspect your rig for problems so you can resolve them before they get out of control, become a hazard, or end up being very expensive to repair. A small problem can turn into a major one in a short amount of time, so you need to remain vigilant when it comes to routine deck maintenance and repair. Here are some common problems to look for:

Loose nails – Replace damaged or corroded nails in floorboards, posts, sills, joists, railings, stairs and more. Hammer the protruding nails until they are level (or below) the surface of the wood. You can also replace protruding or loose nails with deck screws.

Deformed floorboards – Cracked, warped, chipped, or protruding floorboards are a hazard. Replace them as needed.

Dry rot – This type of fungal growth digests the wood, rotting it everywhere. Signs include soft or damp floorboards, musty odors, discoloration, or shrunken floorboards. Replace immediately after discovering.

Mold and mildew – Additional types of fungal growth, such as mold and mildew, are dangerous for wooden decks and patios. Additionally, the growth of fungus, moss, green or black algae, lichens, and more create dangerous conditions in the yard.

Debris – Leaves, twigs, branches, grass clippings and more are examples of debris that should be regularly cleaned from decks and patios. Build-up can provide the perfect environment for mold and mildew growth and more.

Care of wooden decks and patios

All of the above issues, and more, need to be addressed immediately to maintain a safe and enjoyable deck or patio this summer. Nails must be hammered or replaced with deck screws, organic growths must be sprayed with a removal solution, rotten or damaged floorboards must be replaced or repaired, and debris must be swept up daily. All of this should avoid costly and dangerous wooden deck problems.

To preserve your wooden deck or patio, it is important to implement certain strategies and tasks that will safeguard it throughout the year. For example, dry rot can be prevented by painting a coat or two of wood preservative under the bottom of the wooden deck.

Additionally, the application of a quality sealing coat and deck protector is vital to guard against natural wear and tear. It helps to know that replacing boards with dry rot right away will prevent the possibility of it spreading to other boards. And lastly, continue to remove your mildew-proof wooden deck to keep it mold and mildew-free year-round.

Consult a professional general contractor for advice, information, and assistance with deck maintenance and renovation. They preserve the experience, knowledge, and tools so you and your yard are ready for the beginning of spring!