If there are some minor wear and tear signs on your patio or deck, what should the next step be? Cosmetic damage can be remedied with a DIY fix, but structural damage generally requires the skills of a professional.
Of course, a DIY fix is easier said than done but can be difficult if you don’t know where or how to start. Here’s our advice on how you can address minor problems on your deck or patio:
1. Fading color
Wood will inevitably lose its color due to weather exposure, use, natural aging, and debris like stray fall leaves. Restore some of the original color with a wood cleaner and brightener. You can also paint or stain the wood with your preferred color.
Regardless of what option you choose, reseal the deck again to prevent water damage and other issues.
2. Pest infestations
As much as you enjoy your deck, termites, carpenter ants, and woodpeckers love to destroy it even more. Woodpecker damage is identifiable by numerous small holes in the wood and wood flakes on the ground below. Insect damage can be harder to spot before it becomes severe. Look for wood dust on the ground near the deck posts or an abundance of insects on and around the deck.
If you discover pest damage, your best course of action is to get a local exterminator on site to assess the issue. After they’ve diagnosed and resolved the pest problem, you can start replacing or repairing the affected boards. Source: Angi
3. Dirty or moldy surface
his is one fix you can perform yourself, and it may be as simple as a scrub with mild detergent. But if you have a stubborn mold problem — say, if your patio receives mostly shade — Experts recommend pressure washing first, then getting down on your hands and knees to sponge the surface with a very dilute mixture of muriatic acid and water. (Muriatic acid is available at hardware stores or pool supply stores; be sure to wear gloves and safety glasses as you work.) A final pressure wash when you’re done should leave you with a bright, clean surface. Source: HGTV
4. Sinking
Every patio has the potential to sink, but the risk is especially prevalent if you used pavers. Sinking pavers not only make your patio look bad, but they cause drainage problems that result in even more damage. You can repair sunken pavers by wiggling them out, pouring sand underneath them that they are level, and putting the paver back in its spot.
5. Splintering, warping, and other damage
Be on the lookout for any signs of damage. Some of those signs include warping, splintering, and missing nails. Sometimes you can fix these problems by yourself, but other times, like when there’s extensive damage, you’ll need the help of a patio expert. Source: North American Deck and Patio
If you’re looking for a professional for your job, then don’t hesitate to reach out and we’ll help you as soon as we can!
Contact:
Kerrisdale Roofing & Drains
168 W 71st Ave, Vancouver, BC V5X 4S7
(604) 360-2114
