Decks provide the perfect outdoor entertainment area, whether you’re hosting a backyard barbeque or inviting neighbors over for drinks. Unfortunately, however, decks may become damaged over time and require repairs or replacement services to restore them back to their former condition.
Contact a professional deck repair service in Los Angeles if your deck requires repair, and you want top-quality results. Furthermore, an assessment may suffice if its condition shows signs of age or structural instability.
Your deck might need replacement at some point in its lifespan; typically wood can last 15 years while cap composite boards and cap polymers have long lifespans ranging between 25-30 years due to their superior quality and strength. When is it best time for replacement to take place? A wooden deck may last 15 years while cap polymer offers superior longevity of 50+ decades due to its superior quality and strength.
Different factors can contribute to deterioration. Exposure to water increases the chances of decay and rot on a deck. Furthermore, poor installation could require replacing it sooner than planned due to stress on fasteners which cause premature degeneration.
If your deck receives more foot traffic than is suitable, or is designed for heavy furniture such as tables and chairs, additional weight could cause irreparable damage and require replacement. Overlooking routine maintenance could eventually reduce to decayed remnants; but regular care can extend its useful life for many years ahead. To give your deck every chance at longevity and save yourself some hassle along the way. Please see below for some useful advice for giving it an effective long life span.
Clean Regularly
Cleanliness, according to some, is the second step toward godliness. While you may not consider yourself spiritual, an orderly deck makes an impressionful first impression! So grab your broom and scrub away any dirt or debris before using a mop or bucket of warm water to tackle even stubborn dust, algae and grit build-up.
Dirt is rough and may initially seem harmless, but over time it can damage the protective layer that covers your deck, significantly shortening its lifespan. Therefore, taking measures to keep it looking its best may be worthwhile to ensure a longer-lasting deck experience.
Be careful when cleaning your deck; gentle brushes and cleaner designed specifically for it should suffice. Harsh chemicals, such as chlorine bleach for killing mildew, could harm treated wood surfaces leaving them more susceptible to water damage and discoloring and weakening over time. If unsure which products or techniques would best fit the task of deck maintenance and care it is advised consulting professional deck builders like those located in Springfield for expert advice and durability of their decks.
Make Sealant Your Deck’s Friend
Sealant can protect your deck from the elements and help to stave off ageing and damage, providing UV ray protection while creating a waterproof barrier to halt staining for easier cleaning. Capital Deck & Stair Waterproofing comes highly recommended in this regard.
Sealing your deck during autumn or spring when temperatures are moderate and precipitation is less intense allows the sealant to set, while also giving it time to dry properly. Apply it according to manufacturer’s recommendations for best results – typically this means making sure it’s applied cleanly, dryly and sanded down prior to application of sealant; sanding also allows wood fibers to better absorb sealant.
Every two years, purchase high-quality sealant to help make your deck last longer. However, owning an outdoor composite deck doesn’t necessitate sealing it as they already come sealed and require minimal upkeep.
Keep an Eye Out for Damage
Regular inspections are essential to maintaining a long-lasting and healthy deck, so take note of any indications of wear such as cracks, splintering or discoloration. Also look out for signs that the wood has begun to rot beneath your feet – this might indicate rot is developing underneath that needs replacement.
Holes in your deck could be an early indicator of insect damage. Bugs that burrow can do extensive harm to its structure; should they consume decayed wood they could convert your deck into an area suitable for banqueting and leave you needing new decking materials in a matter of moments.
Make sure that the railings on deck are safe by conducting a visual and pressure test; alternatively you could also wiggle them slightly with pressure applied, then release. In case it fails, fix it to the ground or replace its damaged part immediately.
Flashing should also be in good condition to prevent leakage into your home and costly repairs, while runoff does not seep onto decks and cause wood decay – otherwise professional help could be needed to alter drainage slopes and drainages accordingly.
Regular inspections can help address potential problems before they become bigger issues. Furthermore, should damage be discovered take immediate steps to repair it as minor fixes tend to be less costly than major ones.
An attractively maintained deck adds style and ambience to your home, providing an inviting space. Don’t let it decline over time; be proactive about maintaining its appearance in order to prolong its lifespan and avoid having to make unplanned replacement decisions.