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DECKS
Popular alternatives to patios, decks are
versatile home additions that are
constructed according to local building
code.
Most decks are made from
pressure-treated wood. "Pressure-treated"
means that the lumber is processed to
force preservatives deep into the fibers of
the board, giving the wood better
resistance to decay and termites.
Popular alternatives to patios, decks are
versatile home additions that are
constructed according to local building
code.
Most decks are made from
pressure-treated wood. "Pressure-treated"
means that the lumber is processed to
force preservatives deep into the fibers of
the board, giving the wood better
resistance to decay and termites.
Pressure-treated wood appears greenish or yellowish in color
when new, but soon turns a silver gray color when exposed to the
elements. This is a natural process of pressure-treated wood.
Even though it is likely that the lumber used to construct your deck
has been pressure-treated, you must take the initiative to protect
your deck. Most soft woods that are used to build decks, i.e. cedar
and redwood, are mildew resistant by nature. However,
periodically it will be necessary to cover the outside of the wood
with a sealant to prolong the life of the wood. Sealant will also
protect your deck wood from water damage. When water enters
the wood and then dries out, it causes the wood to expand and
contract. This causes the wood to split and crack. Check with a
professional as to which waterproof sealant will work best on your
deck.
It is recommended that you wait four to six months to seal a new
deck to allow time for the wood to cure.
Seal your deck early in the Spring for the best results.
Wood shrinkage will cause loose boards and nails to raise up.
Periodically check your deck for loose nails or screws. Re-nail or
screw loose boards that have been affected by expansion and
contraction. Avoid using the same nail hole.
Clean out the spaces between deck boards on a regular basis. If
debris and leaves gather between boards, it can lead to wood rot.
Periodically check that all deck components stay securely
fastened. Check support posts, steps, railing, etc.
Deck railings are not designed for people to sit on.
To check the deck for sealant, pour a glass of water onto the wood.
If the surface turns noticeably darker, the wood needs to be
resealed. If the water beads up, the surface of your deck is still
protected.
Before applying sealant, clean the deck surface and remove
materials between the boards.
Keep excessive weight off your deck.
Do not place children's swimming pools or hot tubs on your deck
without design reinforcement.
Do not overload with people.
If the deck becomes discolored and dark, you most likely have a
case of mildew.
Remove mildew with a stiff brush dipped in a mixture of warm
water and a mildew removing agent such as chlorine bleach.
For a large deck use a power washer to clean it once or twice a
year instead of scrubbing it by hand. Wear safety goggles and
gloves when working with any of these products or equipment.
Do not allow foliage to grow extremely close to your deck.
This can lead to minimized air movement and drainage around
your deck.
when new, but soon turns a silver gray color when exposed to the
elements. This is a natural process of pressure-treated wood.
Even though it is likely that the lumber used to construct your deck
has been pressure-treated, you must take the initiative to protect
your deck. Most soft woods that are used to build decks, i.e. cedar
and redwood, are mildew resistant by nature. However,
periodically it will be necessary to cover the outside of the wood
with a sealant to prolong the life of the wood. Sealant will also
protect your deck wood from water damage. When water enters
the wood and then dries out, it causes the wood to expand and
contract. This causes the wood to split and crack. Check with a
professional as to which waterproof sealant will work best on your
deck.
It is recommended that you wait four to six months to seal a new
deck to allow time for the wood to cure.
Seal your deck early in the Spring for the best results.
Wood shrinkage will cause loose boards and nails to raise up.
Periodically check your deck for loose nails or screws. Re-nail or
screw loose boards that have been affected by expansion and
contraction. Avoid using the same nail hole.
Clean out the spaces between deck boards on a regular basis. If
debris and leaves gather between boards, it can lead to wood rot.
Periodically check that all deck components stay securely
fastened. Check support posts, steps, railing, etc.
Deck railings are not designed for people to sit on.
To check the deck for sealant, pour a glass of water onto the wood.
If the surface turns noticeably darker, the wood needs to be
resealed. If the water beads up, the surface of your deck is still
protected.
Before applying sealant, clean the deck surface and remove
materials between the boards.
Keep excessive weight off your deck.
Do not place children's swimming pools or hot tubs on your deck
without design reinforcement.
Do not overload with people.
If the deck becomes discolored and dark, you most likely have a
case of mildew.
Remove mildew with a stiff brush dipped in a mixture of warm
water and a mildew removing agent such as chlorine bleach.
For a large deck use a power washer to clean it once or twice a
year instead of scrubbing it by hand. Wear safety goggles and
gloves when working with any of these products or equipment.
Do not allow foliage to grow extremely close to your deck.
This can lead to minimized air movement and drainage around
your deck.
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