Decks are a very popular feature for outdoor spaces in homes, and for good reason: they become the gathering space for families during warm weather months. However, if you don’t properly maintain a deck, it can go from a great space to gather outside to a dirty and possibly dangerous nightmare you avoid. The good news is if you keep up on your deck’s maintenance, it will be a great space to gather for years to come. Following are a few tips to keep your deck in tip-top shape.
Clean Regularly
The best way to keep a deck in great shape is to keep it clean. At least once a year, you should do a thorough cleaning:
- Remove all furniture, toys, and plants.
- Sweep the deck completely.
- Use a putty knife to remove any debris that is stuck between boards.
- Clean the deck using soap and water or a deck cleaner specifically designed for your deck type (wood, composite, etc.). Scrub particularly dirty spots with a soft brush. Follow the instructions on your cleaning for how long to allow the product to sit on your deck before rinsing.
- Thoroughly rinse the cleaner off using your garden hose. Pressure washing is not recommended, particularly on composite decking.
In between the thorough cleanings, regularly sweep your deck and make sure to clean any debris from cracks between boards. Leaves, grass, and other debris that is left on a deck can get wet and promote decay or mold growth on your deck. In time, that could mean the need to replace boards or the deck entirely.
Perform Repairs as Needed
As is the case with most home repairs, the sooner you repair an item that starts showing signs of damage, the better. Regularly inspect all areas of your deck – the surface, skirt, posts, etc. – for damage or loose boards or screws. As soon as you notice issues, fix them immediately. Hammer or screw loose screws back in. If you notice rusty screws or nails, replace them right away. Rust can cause deterioration in deck materials or cause discoloration. If you notice rot in wood elements, replace them. Also replace any damaged boards. If there are multiple boards to replace, you may want to consider replacing all boards at once for a fresh, uniform appearance and better structural integrity.
Seal Wood
Wood is a porous, natural product that requires on-going maintenance. Due to the moisture and temperature extremes found in the Utah, natural building materials such as wood are subject to repeated expansion and contraction. This can result in warping or shrinking of wood materials. To minimize these effects, you need to seal wood that is exposed to the elements, such as that found on your deck. When buying a sealer or stain, look for one that is water repellent or waterproof (not water resistant) and one that provides UV protection. If you have plants near your deck, you should cover them before sealing to ensure you do not damage or destroy them. Before applying sealer, remove any paint or stain on the wood using a paint scraper. Thoroughly clean any paint/stain flaking off of the wood, then sand it to give yourself a clean surface to work on. Using a vacuum or rag, remove any dust from the wood after sanding. Once you have a clean surface, apply stain or sealant to the wood, carefully following your product’s instructions. Let the stain/sealant thoroughly dry before touching the wood. Stain and sealant need to be reapplied regularly. Read your product’s information for guidance on how often to reapply.
Keep Deck as Dry as Possible
One enemy to all types of decking materials is water, so it is best to keep your deck as dry as possible. Make sure downspouts are directed away from your deck. If you notice standing water on your deck, use a broom or rubber squeegee to get rid of water. In the winter, remove snow from your deck as soon as possible using a plastic shovel. Never use a metal shovel or other metal tools on your deck – these can cause damage to the surface.
Keep Deck Adequately Ventilated
When air circulates under your deck, it allows it to dry faster and helps prevent mold and mildew from forming. To ensure proper ventilation, make sure you have at least six inches of unobstructed airflow below your decking surface.
Use the Proper Type of Rugs
Avoid placing mats with rubber backs or made of natural materials such as jute or bamboo that can trap moisture on your deck. These types of rugs can promote mold and mildew growth and can cause discoloration on your deck. Instead, opt for rugs with woven backs or those that are made of plastic or synthetic materials.
Periodically Rearrange Furniture
To prevent sunlight from causing discoloration and mismatched color patches and to prevent water from gathering, you may want to periodically rearrange furniture, plants, and any other items placed on your deck.
Looking for your dream home? Liberty Homes has been building new homes in Utah for nearly 30 years. We take pride in our trade, crafting each home as if it were our own. Our quality, affordable homes are energy smart and thoughtfully personalized for your active Utah lifestyle. We currently have townhomes available in Salt Lake County. Contact us today to get started building your new home.
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