To keep your deck looking like
new (and to protect your investment) it’s necessary to
perform seasonal maintenance to ensure that the wood doesn’t
sustain damage over the years. Specifically, you have to
protect it from nature and everything it can dish out
through the seasons. The sun’s rays, rain, and extreme
temperatures all contribute to the basic wear-and-tear of
wooden decks, but there are several things you can do to
prevent major problems.
Rain. Unfortunately, rain is the leading cause of problems
with wood decks. Water seeps into weak spots and openings,
including exposed edges, nail and screw holes, splits,
knots, and cracks. As a result, rotting is something you
will have to contend with unless the deck is protected by a
waterproofing sealer. Certain wood types, however, are a
better match for rot – cedar, redwood, and pressure-treated
pine are more resistant to rot, but no material is entirely
rot-proof. If water soaks into your deck after a storm
instead of beading on the surface, you should consider
sealing it, a job that will need to be done every few years.
Mold. Mold can be a big problem even with sound wood, as
damp climates or areas with heavy shade can lead to a mossy
deck even under the best circumstances. Too much dirt, a
large amount of leaves, needles, and other material left on
a deck also lead to the growth of mold and mildew. The best
way to remove this type of mold is to scrub it off with a
deck cleaner or mild bleach solution. To prevent too much
buildup from ever accumulating, sweep the deck on a regular
basis and use a crevice tool to dislodge debris from between
the boards. A garden hose with a spray nozzle is a good way
to rinse away dirt particles but don’t use power washes, as
they can damage wood.
Sun. Sunshine causes wood to fade, but it also dries it out.
A deck that is too dry is, ironically, more vulnerable to
water retention and rot. You can brighten a dry deck by
applying a special solution designed for the job. When the
wood’s natural color returns, avoid future sun damage by
spreading a penetrating deck finish with UV inhibitors on
the wood.
Temperature. Wood becomes stressed when it is exposed to
temperature changes throughout the year. Freezing and
thawing during the winter and high temperatures in the
summer make boards expand, contract, and shift. Popped-up
nails are a sign your deck is under stress. You can replace
loose nails with longer nails or deck screws to avoid this
problem, and use corrosion-resistant fasteners for deck
boards. |
