Nothing says “relaxation” like enjoying your very own wooden deck or patio. Some Okotoks homes are lucky enough to have these charming additions to side porches or backyards that are the perfect spot for lounging on deck furniture and grilling out with family or friends.
All of this enjoyment can’t be endured forever, though, if that wood isn’t properly maintained. Lumber provides a beautiful and cost-effective decking solution, but that wood has to be looked after in order to last.
Here are some steps you should take regularly in order to ensure that your deck or patio can be appreciated for many summers to come.
Tips for Properly Maintaining your Deck
Check for Loose Nails or Screws
This is one of the most common problems facing a wood deck. Nails and screws tend to work themselves out as pressure is applied throughout the year.
Usually, repairing this problem is a simple matter of hammering or screwing the offending boards back in. Structural bolts should likewise be inspected and tightened if necessary.
Replace Damaged Boards
Wood tends to expand and contract over time, especially if it is exposed to the elements. All of that adjustment can create warped, saggy, or deteriorating boards. In order to make sure that you can enjoy your deck safely, these boards should be replaced at least once a year.
Luckily, the process isn’t terribly involved.
- Examine the deck for damaged boards
- Pry up or unscrew any boards that have signs of rot or warping
- Use a small block of wood as a brace to prevent damage to other, healthy boards while you remove the offending ones
- Measure the gap, and replace the board with a custom-cut one
- Treating the board with sealant will help prevent damage in the future
Look for Insect or Animal Damage
Similarly, one should look for signs of insect or animal damage around the deck, especially on the posts and railings, as these areas tend to be the subject of gnawing by pets.
Also check underneath the deck to see if the supports have maintained integrity. If the damage is severe, consider hiring professional pest control and replacing that portion of the deck entirely.
Clean Your Deck
At least once a year, your deck could do with a full-scale scrubbing down and pressure washing. Sweep the deck first to remove loose debris, and then examine the wood carefully for signs of mildew, mold, or chemical damage such as grease from a dripping barbeque pit.
These areas should be scrubbed with a semi-coarse brush and warm, soapy water. Once the problem areas are dealt with, the remainder of the deck should likewise be sprayed down with a pressure washer or scrubbed lightly if such a machine isn’t available.
When the job is done, simply spray off the deck with a hose to remove the soap and grimy debris.
Decks should also be re-sealed or re-stained at least once every two years to lock out moisture, microbes, and deter dirt and insects.
If you care for your deck using these tips, you can enjoy your real estate Okotoks home’s gorgeous wooden areas for a lifetime. For advice on adding or remodeling a deck, or to find a home with a stunning wooden patio of its own, please contact our office so we can help you and your family enjoy the summer fun together.