Maintaining Your Deck
Is your deck looking weathered and faded?
If your wood deck is peeling, discolored in places, warping, or splitting, chances are your deck is in need of some maintenance. Wood is still a popular choice in deck building materials, but it requires regular maintenance to make sure the wood stays in top condition.
Typically, you will have a choice of two wood products. A chemically treated product (known throughout the industry as green treated) or a natural product (cedar or redwood). Either product will need maintenance to keep your investment looking good. Furthermore, keep in mind that both products will dry out and will need re-staining and re-sealing. It is best to get into a habit of maintaining your deck so you can enjoy it for years to come.
How often do you need to stain and seal your deck?
Each deck is different, and how often you need to restain your deck depends on a number of factors including the type of stain you use, the finish you used the previous time, heavy usage, and exposure to extreme elements. Some stains are more transparent than others, and the more transparent of stain you choose, the faster it tends to wear off. Typically, you can expect to stain your deck every one to five years.
Each time you stain and seal your deck is the perfect time to go through a deck safety and inspection checklist.
- Split, jagged, or broken boards.
- Mildew on wood, rust on metal components
- Loose railings
- Screws/nails no longer sunk in or flush with boards
- Check risers and stringers of stairs for decay or instability
- Attachment to home; any sign of pulling away is an emergency!
If you have questions about the safety of your deck or items that may need repair, contact us at once.