In the middle of the summer, we rarely think about deck preparation for the upcoming winter. Food spills, animals, foot traffic, and weather all take their toll on a deck. To keep your deck in the best condition, and ensure its ready for the cold winter months, follow our simple guide to get started.
Check for Signs of Board Damage
A deck needs to maintain a sturdy condition to work properly. Board damage is relatively easy to spot as looks deteriorated, but also is unsafe to walk upon. In some instances, the board could be cracked entirely or could fall through. As you examine the entire deck surface, be mindful of the weathered or warped board. When a board is cracked, it needs to be replaced.
Joist Rot Under a Deck
Assess the strength of your deck by looking for joist rot. When you see warped board, a sagging deck, or rot underneath, it is time to consider new joists. Moisture will build up around screws and nails that hold the joist together, and the sun doesn’t reach this area to dry it properly. Termites and carpenter ants are another major issue for decks as they will eat away at the joists.
Peeling Deck Stain or Paint
Another indication the deck needs some TLC is by taking a look at the paint or stain. If there is peeling deck stain or paint, it shows the deck needs to be cleaned and repainted or restained. In some situations, a simple cleaning is all the deck needs to look new again. Beautiful wood is often hidden underneath dirt and weather aging that causes it to look grey and old.
Re-stain deck preparation will require sanding or scraping off the old paint or stain. A new coat won’t look smooth if the deck is not properly prepared prior to staining. It is vital to use stain or paint that is designed for outdoor use.
Restore Deck Color With Deck Cleaning Services
Remove mold and mildew yearly by treating your deck with a high-pressure wash with approved cleaning products. MultiMan Services provides professional deck cleaning services, and we often prevent expensive deck maintenance costs. Thanks to our UV0blocking polymer mix and chlorine-free cleaner, we can remove years of weather damage and prevent the wood from aging rapidly.
If you want to make sure your deck is ready for winter, contact our office to schedule a deck cleaning service. Our experts will be able to clean your deck and let you know if there are concerns related to damage that need to be addressed shortly. We do recommend deck maintenance for winter as it does assist in protecting against the weather patterns that can cause a deck to age quickly.
