Protect Your Deck from Changing Weather
Nothing beats a weatherproof and waterproof deck.
A durable deck can withstand the weather, but it doesn’t mean it is invulnerable to wear and tear. With proper care, you can enjoy your deck for many years.
Weather conditions in any area are inconsistent. Yet, summer is the best time to prepare your deck, fix if there is damage, clean periodically, and check and be responsible for its upkeep.
Part of deck maintenance is to make it waterproof. Under the deck where joists are located, keep in mind that installing a proper deck drainage system will keep the boards in good condition and dry even if it rains because it will divert the water from the deck.
Staining is another technique to prevent water from collecting within the beams and joists of your deck. Since a repeatedly wet deck will harbour mould that will eventually damage the integrity of the wood.
What else can you do? Let’s read on.
A Highly Functional Outdoor Living Space
A deck is an extended living space that you can use for many reasons. In order to enjoy it, you must keep its appeal, and that like your home you do everything to make it worthwhile to spend time on.
Since weather changes can leave damage to your deck, it will be more costly to spend on repairs if you neglect it.
Follow these simple tips to protect your deck:
- Check for damage. Boards, rails, and stairs warp, crack, fade, and get molded if not taken care right away. If you spot any problem that needs fixing, it is best to do something about it. Or have a more experienced person to do the repair.
- Cover or remove the furniture. Furniture needs to be removed before winter or cold months. Fabric-made or upholstered furniture will easily get damaged with mould and mildew. Their material will serve as a hub for bugs and will multiply and wreak havoc on foam and fibre. As for furniture made of wood it will fade and warp with heat and serve as a hub for termites when exposed to humidity.
- Protect outdoor plants. Bring inside your home ornamental plants on pots, if you have them in the deck, and save them from strong winds, rain, and storms. You would not want those expensive plant jars go into ruin when the storm lashes out. Bring them out when the winter has passed and summer is on.
- Bring heavy furniture in the storage. Some pieces of furniture cannot just be brought inside if they will serve as a clutter indoors. For the meantime you can have them sidelined in a storage room in your home, the attic or the basement, whichever you think is a more convenient place so that you can easily bring them out when winter months are over.
- Use power wash to clean the deck boards. Power wash is a high-pressure type of cleaning. But you can lower the pressure so it won’t damage the top deck surface. Power washing is a highly effective way of removing tough dirt. Use the recommended solution in washing the boards. The best in doing this not to compromise the joists is to reinforce the deck with waterproofing and drainage system. Once the base of the deck gets wet, it will serve as a place for pests and all kinds of harmful elements that rot the wood structure of the deck.
- Apply wood stain. Staining will retain your deck’s original finish. With regular staining, the deck will once again be waterproof and durable for years. The stained deck is protected from scratch, warping, and soaking.
- Blow off dried leaves and twigs. It is normal to see a lush of dried leaves and twigs on your deck especially on windy days and autumn. Unattended deck covered with leaves will tarnish in time. Use a blower, instead of a broom, to conveniently remove debris.
Final thoughts
A deck is an extra space more valuable than you thought. It is a place where you can spend special moments with loved ones, friends, and guests or just me-time. Don’t let those nasty damages destroy your deck and spoil those precious moments.
Make a routine cleaning and regular checkup so you’re sure that it stays pristine as you want it to be no matter the weather. If you have no idea how to keep it in good condition, our team can offer assistance.
Bristol Decking can recommend other tips that will retain your deck’s glory. Experts know better when it comes to preventing your deck from future damage.
When people plan for additional space, cost and value are deciding factors for them. No matter what material your deck is made of, every bit of it is part of the money you spent for it, so it is crucial to consider that.
Talk to any Bristol Decking representative if you have further queries and we’ll be more than happy to help.