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Deck Maintenance & Safety

As the weather warms, most of us will be spending more time on the backyard deck. Make sure yours is safe and well- maintained for this warm weather season.

The key to keeping your deck from becoming unsightly and dangerous is regular maintenance and inspection. Dirt and debris wear out you deck prematurely. So, the most effective way to maintain your deck is by simply keeping it clean. Sweep at least once a week to remove dirt and debris from the deck's surface. It should be scrubbed with warm water once a month. Use a power washer once each season to remove dirt from all areas of the deck.

Deck

Inspect your deck for problems- addressing them when they occur will help you avoid costly repairs. Some common problems that can occur on outdoor decking and how they may be addressed are:

Nails - Nails often work their way out of decking over time. Drive them back in or replace them with decking screws if the nails will no longer hold.
Minor splits and splinters - Wood will sometimes split or splinter. Minor splits can be filled and sanded and splinters should be sanded off. If a split is deep or especially long however, the wood should be replaced.
Mildew - Mildew contributes to deterioration of your deck's surface. Purchase a mildew remover made for decking at your local home improvement store and be sure to follow the instructions carefully.
Chipped paint - Paint protects the wood that's beneath it. If your paint is chipped, water can penetrate the wood. At the first signs of chipping, you must repaint. Be sure to prep the surface by first scraping and sanding.

Special attention should be paid to:

Insect infestation - If you have properly sealed your deck, bugs will not be an issue. Prevention is the best option. If you do find that your deck has become infested, contact a professional to assess the situation. He will propose the best methods for eliminating pests and how to prevent future infestations. Repairs can extensive if a large portion of the deck is affected so it's important to act quickly.
Rotten wood - Rotten wood may not differ in appearance from the rest of your deck's wood. Use a screwdriver to check for soft wood several times each year. Small portions of softened wood may be treated with a hardener, but those with a lot of rot should be replaced.
Loose joints - Joints can work loose. If left alone, this can create a hazard- especially on stairs. Most joints can be reinforced using additional hardware.
Weak railings - Loose or weak railings are an accident waiting to happen. Reinforce them with additional fasteners.
Posts and concrete footing - The areas where they meet are especially moisture prone and threaten the structural integrity of the deck. Replace damaged portions promptly.
Water - It is your deck's worst enemy. Protect it by making sure it is properly sealed. A new deck should be finished wih a sealer, deck stain, or paint for the best protection against water. Remember that it must be reapplied to ensure that the deck remains protected. Manufacturers suggest reapplication from every six months to every four years depending on which product has been used. Be sure to read the product's label and note how often yours should reapplied. With a little work and a keen eye, you will will be enjoying your deck for many years to come.

Tips:
Applying Finishes

The best time to apply a finish to a new deck is after the decking boards are installed, but before railings and stairs have been added. The ideal weather for applying a finish is an calm, overcast day. Strong winds, rain, bright sunlight, and high temperatures can ruin the finish before it has time to dry and will force you to reapply.

The decking surface needs to be clean and dry before applying the finish. Sweep the surface thoroughly since dirt will not allow the finish to properly adhere to the surface. Check that the wood is dry as well. While the deck is shaded, sprinkle a small amount of water. If it is absorbed quickly, the surface may be finished. If not, allow several more days of warm weather and then test again. You may also try a sanding the surface lightly, sweeping, and retesting. Applying your finish to dry wood insures that the product will be adequately absorbed.

Use the proper tools when you apply your finish. Brushes can be used anywhere and universally with all products, but they can make for slow work. Rollers can speed up the work, but are not recommended for use with oil-based products. Sprayers cover areas efficiently, but surrounding surfaces must be covered to protect them from overspray. The best rule of thumb is to either use the tool that you are most familiar or to practice with a new one until you are comfortable with it.

Deck Finishes

There are several things to consider when choosing a finish for your deck. You'll want to choose a finish that compliments your decking style, matches with your regions climate, and is consistent with the look you want to maintain. Finishing choices that are available specifically for decks include wood preservatives, sealers, stains, and paints.

Deck Finishes

Wood preservatives prevent rot and help deter insects. Many wood preservatives contain copper naphthenate which will turn the wood green. The color will eventually fade however. Wood preservatives do not protect against water; so, you may want to add a sealer, stain or paint. Just make sure that the products are compatible with one another. You may also opt to use a wood preservative alone if you prefer a weathered look.

Sealers are designed to repel water and are available in both oil-based and water-based formulas. They are clear and allow the natural look of the wood to show through. Some sealers can be combined with stains or paints.

Stains are available in oil-based and water-based and come in three basic categories: clear, translucent, and stain. Clear stains waterproof and seal the deck's surface while allowing the grain to show through. Translucent stains also allow the wood to show through, but pigmentation has been added to increase UV protection. Stains hide the wood's grain and minor flaws while adding superior UV protection. Stains are available in many colors but may vary depending on the type of wood on which it is applied. All stains are easy to apply, making them a popular choice.

Paints made specifically for decks come in oil-based or water-based formulations and come in the widest range of colors. Because paints add complete coverage, it can be a good choice for lower grade woods. Paint does take time to apply and may require several coats which can increase the cost. It may crack as the wood expands or contract as well, but decking paints allow you to match or compliment the color of your house.

Keep the desired look of your deck's finish in mind when selecting wood for your decking project- some finishes work better with one wood than another. Read and follow the instructions for application and adhere to the manufacturer's guidelines for reapplication to achieve maximum results.