Deck Maintenance: Seasonal Tips for Lasting Durability

A deck functions like any other room in your house, only it’s on the outside. It fulfils an important role for family gatherings, friends visiting, relaxing, cooking and entertaining, weather permitting of course. With a regular maintenance schedule and timely repairs, a new deck will serve you and your family for decades. Here are some seasonal tips to ensure it remains beautiful, safe and durable year after year.

Deck maintenance schedule

• Fall: clean, seal/stain, check for damage, remove patio furniture, trim overhanging trees

• Winter: shovel off snow with plastic shovel

• Spring: clean, seal/stain, check for damage

• Summer: sweep, move planters occasionally, wipe up food spills

Fall

Wood decks need sealing or staining every few years sometime in the fall or spring. If water no longer beads on the surface, it’s time. Remove patio furniture, planters, etc. off the deck and clean the surface with deck cleaner.

The sun and heavy use over summer take a toll on a deck. Inspect the boards for damage, including warping, cracking, and splitting. Check that screws, nails and fasteners are tight. If you find any damage, make repairs asap. The earlier you catch it, the quicker, easier, and cheaper it will be to fix. If you don’t have the skills, tools, time or inclination, call in a professional restorer to make quick work of it.

Sweep regularly over the fall season to keep leaves and other organic matter from staining or trapping moisture against the deck. Trim back trees and bushes that overhang so they’re not constantly dropping leaves or dripping onto the surface. Ensure the gaps between the boards are free from debris so air can circulate.

Composite and PVC decks can be washed with soap and water twice a year. Avoid using harsh chemicals and follow the manufacturer instructions.

Winter

The winter season doesn’t require much. Shovel snow off regularly to remove moisture and weight. Use a plastic shovel and go with the grain to avoid damaging the boards. If you need extra grip, apply sand or kitty litter. Don’t use salt or chemicals as these will cause damage.

Spring

Spring is another important time for cleaning and checking the overall condition of your deck. Winter’s freeze/thaw cycle and all that extra moisture can cause problems. Check if it needs sealing or staining if you didn’t do it in the fall. Sweep, clean, and check fasteners. Test railings and handrails for secureness. If you detect soft wood anywhere on the deck, this indicates rot has set in. Rot is a beacon for insect pests like carpenter ants. Replace these areas asap to prevent further damage and expense.

Summer

Regular sweeping over the summer will keep your deck looking good. Move planters occasionally as they can collect moisture underneath (especially unglazed clay pots). Wipe up food spills to avoid stains and attracting insects or animals.

Regular deck maintenance and timely repairs go a long way to ensuring longterm, reliable and safe use of your deck. If you’re unsure about the condition of your deck, would like it assessed, rebuilt or improved, call a professional deck restoration company.

Westerly Restoration professionally assesses, builds and repairs decks of all kinds. Want a deck that looks stunning and lasts? Call Westerly today: 1-778-881-2877