Do you love spending time outdoors on your deck? It’s the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the fresh air. But if you don’t take care of it, it can quickly become a disaster zone. Here are a few things that you should remember when maintaining your deck.
Don’t overdo it with the power washer
A pressure washer is a time- and labor-saving tool, but in unsteady hands, it can make your deck look like wood-boring beetle larvae have been at work. Sweep the nozzle along the wood grain at a slight angle about 8 inches from the deck surface. Move the nozzle at all times while the trigger is engaged. Source: BobVila
Don’t leave nails exposed
As lumber ages, it can swell and shrink, causing nails and screws to move. If this happens, hammer or screw them back into place. Replace any rusty nails or screws as they can deteriorate the safety of the deck and cause discoloration of the lumber. Source: BHG
Don’t forget to repair damaged wood
If you have a board that’s split down the middle, mark the damaged board next to the leading edge of the first support joist that’s completely past the split. Be sure not to mark an area that’s directly over a joist or you could damage your saw when you begin cutting.
Cut the board with a jigsaw, remove the nails or deck screws and remove the damaged wood. Use deck screws to attach a pressure-treated 2-by-4-inch support block to the joist. The support block will hold the replacement board in position. Cut a replacement board to size, pre-drill and fasten it to the support block and joists with deck screws.
Your replacement board may appear to be higher and wider than the existing wood, but it should shrink as it loses moisture. If the board still appears to be higher than the surrounding boards after being in place for a few weeks, you can smooth it down with a belt sander. Be sure that all nail or screw heads are recessed into the wood before you begin sanding. Source: HGTV
Need help on deck maintenance? We’ve got you covered! Give us a call to get a free estimate.
Contact:
Kerrisdale Roofing & Drains Ltd.
168 W 71st Ave, Vancouver, BC V5X 4S7
(604) 360-2114
