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April
26
26
Is Your Deck Still in Good Condition?
Settling into the home you chose from Bemidji homes for sale or Brainerd homes for sale? If your home has a deck, it can be the center of attention for your outdoor parties or for your daily relaxation throughout a good part of the year. But a deck is also a responsibility. Plan to inspect the deck each year to make sure it's safe. A good maintenance regimen can preserve your deck and ensure those who use it are safe.
- Check Your Deck Every Spring
Now's the time to give your deck a thorough once-over. The North American Deck and Railing Association encourages deck owners to check out the following:
- Possible rust on metal sections such as connectors and bolts
- Possible wood rot, including telltale signs of mold
- Attachments of decking floor
- Clean the Deck
As soon as spring weather allows, it's time to begin cleaning the deck. Start by removing any debris between deck boards with a putty knife. Spare your knees by inserting the knife in a length of PVC pipe or buy a pole-type groove and crevice cleaner. Cover shrubs, then sweep the deck. Choose a cleanser, depending on whether your deck is wood, composite, or vinyl. Follow directions carefully. It's best to clean the deck on a cloudy day, as sun will evaporate the cleaner. Allow the deck to dry two days before sealing. - Sealing the Deck
Springtime is the right time to seal the deck. Choose from clear sealer, toner, semi-transparent stain, or solid stain and opaque color. You'll need about a gallon per 250 square feet.
Again, choose a two-day window of good weather. Use a pole sander to lightly sand the deck. Before you apply the sealer, replace protruding nails with deck screws, then pound in any protruding nails. Use a roller to cover three or four boards at a time; brushes and small rollers are best used for planters, benches, and railings. Hint: Avoid puddling by applying two thin coats rather than one thick one. - Take a Closer Look
Learn the finer points of deck inspection. Look closely at areas up to 6 inches from the ground or close to water (downspouts and planters). Be on the lookout for signs of rot. Use your flat-blade screwdriver to probe structural members, starting with the stairs. Pay particular attention to the stringers (saw-tooth notched pieces that support steps) and where they meet the ground. Check perimeter posts. Can you push the screwdriver a quarter-inch into a spongy area? That's wood rot. Generally, you can replace small areas by digging out the rot and applying wood preservative. Larger than a silver dollar? Replace the structural member.
Inspect these areas too:
- Ledger - Use a flashlight to check the ledger, which is the framing that attaches the deck to the house. It should be attached with lag screws, not nails. Flashing should be rust- and hole-free.
- Cracks - Replace cracked boards. Cracks will only worsen with time.
- Joists, posts, and beams - Inspect hardware beneath the deck, replacing rusted parts. Probe carefully for rot.
- Railing - Shake the railing to ensure posts are soundly attached. Drill pilot holes and add galvanized lag screws. Check around fasteners for cracks. Remove the fastener, seal the crack with adhesive (exterior grade) then drill a new hole and add a deck screw.
Have you found a dream home with a deck, or a home where you'd like to add a deck? We can answer your questions. Call today.