Guide To Home Improvement - Prepare Your Home Deck for Any Weather

Once you've installed a new deck, it may seem so sturdy that it can withstand any kind of weather. That's true, but only if you take proper care of it. As the temperature changes, there are several steps you can take to ensure your home deck wears well through the seasons.

Be sure you've sealed your deck with a water-repellent finish to ward against warping and cracking.
Clear fallen leaves, pine needles, and branches. Dirt and other debris can cause standing water to stay on top of the decking rather than drain through.
Scrub off mildew as soon as it appears. There are several cleaning products available at lumber stores for this job or you can apply a homemade mix of water, ammonia-free liquid dishwasher detergent, and oxygen bleach.
Remove pots and planters during the colder, wet seasons to prevent rings or stains.
When it does snow, shovel your deck lengthwise. Crosswise shoveling can result in scratches or cuts in the wood decking.

Protecting Your Wood Deck for Years to Come
As with every other part of your home, maintaining your home deck is a year round job. A wood deck needs regular staining and sealing, as well as stripping and cleaning.

When you see loose nails, splinters, or any kind of break in the surface, don't wait to act. It won't take long for a small problem to grow and damage the deck structure. Immediately replace rotten boards. You don't want your children or visitors to injure themselves by sticking a foot through the decking.

Sanding, varnishing, and the use of wood filler can generally fix most problems quickly and inexpensively. For larger cracks, consult your contractor or someone at your local lumberyard before proceeding.

A new deck is an investment worth protecting. With regular maintenance, you'll be able to preserve its beauty and enjoy it for many years to come.

Source:
Western Red Cedar Lumber Association