Category: Deck Repair Services

How to Properly Maintain Your Deck

A deck that isn’t properly maintained can easily develop cracks, splinters and even rot. Regular inspections and timely interventions help prevent these issues from worsening over time.

Deck

Walk around the deck and listen for squeaks and feel the wood for soft spots. Poke a screwdriver into areas that seem soft or rotting to verify they aren’t structural problems. Visit https://www.mountjoycompany.com to learn more.

A deck is a great place to relax, host guests and enjoy the outdoors, but it’s important to keep an eye out for any signs of rot that could threaten the safety and structural stability of your deck. Rotting wood is not only a health and safety hazard, but it can also lead to costly repairs.

Check for Soft Wood

One of the most common signs that your deck is in need of repair is soft or spongy wood. This usually indicates dry rot and can be detected by probing the deck surface with a screwdriver. Wood that feels spongy or breaks off without splintering is likely to rot more quickly than other areas of your deck, so it should be replaced as soon as possible.

You should also probe around posts and joists to look for soft wood. If you find any, replace them immediately with pressure-treated or rot-resistant lumber to prevent the spread of rot. You should also check for any signs of rust on the metal pieces that hold the deck together. The more rust, the more damage they have sustained and the more likely they are to be compromised by moisture.

Another sign that your deck is in need of repair is if it appears to be sagging. This is often caused by a rotting support post or joists. You can usually check for this by probing the decking surface and stair stringers with a screwdriver, as this type of soft wood is easy to penetrate. If you notice that a joist is soft, you should remove it and replace it with a new joist of the same size.

You should also check for any signs of mold and mildew on the surface of your deck. If you find any, it’s important to clean the affected area right away to prevent future growth of fungus and other types of harmful organisms. It’s also a good idea to improve drainage and ventilation, as this can help reduce the likelihood of rot in the future. This may include installing a drainage system or adding vents to the deck so air can circulate more easily.

Clean It Regularly

The most effective way to prevent rot on decks is to thoroughly clean them at least twice each year. Start with a hard-bristle broom and a hose with an adjustable spray nozzle. You may also want to use a commercial deck cleaner, which is typically available in liquid or ready-to-use form. Make sure the deck cleaner you choose is designed for use on your specific wood type.

Before you begin cleaning, cover any plants near your deck to keep them from getting splashed or damaged by the cleaning agents in your deck cleaner. It’s also a good idea to put down drop cloths or tarps over any furniture you have on your deck, to protect it from the water and cleaning agents in the cleaner.

When you’re done washing your deck, it’s important to let it dry completely before you move on. A deck that’s still wet can be a breeding ground for mold and mildew, which can then cause the boards to rot. It’s best to wait 48 hours to give your deck the chance to re-absorb the water it washed away.

While your deck is drying, take this opportunity to examine it for any damage. Look for soft or splintered planks, loose nails and screws, and rusty fasteners. These can all present a trip or fall risk, and they should be addressed promptly.

Examine your railings and stairs for signs of rot or decay as well. Check the stair risers and stringers to make sure they’re securely fastened, and that the stairs themselves feel stable and safe to climb.

Once your deck is clean, it’s a good idea to install some kind of stain or clear protective coating on it. A high-quality water-resistant deck stain will help to preserve the wood, as well as block out harmful UV rays. Look for a stain that also contains a wood preservative to help the deck last longer. It’s a good idea to test the stain on a small area before applying it to the whole deck.

Apply a Water-Repellent Sealant

A properly sealed deck protects it from water damage and mildew. Sealants also help prevent the deterioration of wood, keeping it strong and attractive. A high-quality sealant is less expensive than repairing or replacing a damaged deck, making it an investment in the longevity of your outdoor living space. If you have a wood deck, it should be resealed every year or two to maintain its beauty and functionality.

Before sealing, inspect your deck for signs of damage. Cracks and splits can be repaired with putty or waterproof wood filler. Protruding nails can be hammered back in using a drift pin. Loose boards should be replaced, as well. If you notice any of these issues, do your best to repair them right away. Prompt repairs can significantly improve the lifespan of your deck.

Start by sweeping your deck to remove any dirt, debris or dust that has collected. You may need to do this a couple of times before you are ready to apply the sealant. You should also make sure that the deck is completely dry before moving on to sanding. This process should be done with a long-handled deck broom, as you want to avoid damaging the surface of your deck. Once your deck is sanded, be sure to wipe away any sanding dust thoroughly.

Once your deck is dry, you are ready to apply your Thompson’s Water Seal. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for applying your sealant. It is important to stir the sealant thoroughly, as shaking it can cause bubbles. You can use a paint roller or a brush to apply the sealant to your deck. Use long, even strokes and be sure to cover all areas of your deck. A second coat can be applied, if needed, but it should be allowed to dry for at least 24 hours.

Once your Thompson’s water seal is fully dry, you can begin enjoying your deck! The sealant acts as a barrier against water, and will protect your deck from molds, mildew and other common problems. It will also give your deck a beautiful, rich color and adds an extra layer of protection against the elements.

Apply a Deck Brightener

It’s important to brighten a deck before staining. This process ensures that the wood absorbs and holds the stain correctly. It also prevents the build-up of mildew and fungus. We recommend a brightener such as DeckWise Hardwood and Deck Cleaner and Brightener, or RAD Stain Wood Brightener (part of the RAD Deck Care system). These products are safe to use and will not harm your plants, but it is up to you to thoroughly rinse any items used after applying to make sure that solution residue has dispersed appropriately.

DeckWise wood brightener contains no bleach and does not damage the lignin in the wood. Bleach, on the other hand, destroys lignin and causes it to lose its strength and color, leaving wood with a dull appearance. Brightening is recommended yearly, though in certain circumstances you may wish to do it twice per year.

When used after cleaning the wood with our DeckWise wood cleaner, this powerful brightening concentrate will restore the natural beauty of exterior wood species. It works to remove fungus, dirt, grime and rust as well as tannin stains from redwoods and other softwoods that can be damaged by extractive bleeding.

It can also be used as a neutralizer to further brighten wood species like pine that have been cleaned with Deck Wood Cleaner or stripped with Stain Stripper. It is recommended that #1 Deck Wood Brightener be followed by application of RAD Premium Wood Stain to protect the wood and provide lasting protection for years to come.

After washing the wood, mix the brightener in water according to label instructions and apply to wet surface, scrubbing with a brush as needed. Let stand 3 – 5 minutes, keeping wet with additional solution if necessary. Rinse well and allow to dry.

We recommend rinsing vertical surfaces from the bottom and working up to avoid streaking. One container of wood brightener will brighten up to 1,200 square feet of deck or other wood surface. One 16 oz. jar will create up to 4 gallons of brightening solution. For larger jobs, multiple containers can be used to make a more concentrated solution.

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