After the deck is cleaned and has had time to dry, applying a sealant is a good idea. It’s also the best time to replace rotten boards and nail heads and hammer in protruding nails that may have moved from swells and shrinks.
Look for signs of rot by probing structural members with a screwdriver; areas that feel soft or springy may be rotten.
Before staining or sealing, thoroughly clean your deck to remove dirt and mildew. Choose a safe commercial cleaner for your type of deck and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for applying it. You can also mix a small amount of baking soda with water to create a paste that you can apply to mildew stains on your deck. Scrub the paste into the stains and let it dry.
For safety, wear rubber gloves and a face mask when using any cleaning products. Rinse your deck after you have scrubbed it. If the deck is slippery, you can use a spray nozzle on your garden hose to create a fine mist of water to help it dry quickly.
If your deck is made from wood, you need to inspect it for rot and damage. This includes the support posts, beams, and joists that form its structural frame. Wood rot is easy to spot, as it will be soft and spongy. You can test for it by probing a piece of wood with a screwdriver. If it splinters, the wood is healthy, but if it splits easily without splinters, it may be rotting.
You should also inspect the ledger board, which attaches the deck to your house. Make sure it is securely fastened with lag screws and that there are no gaps in the flashing. The flashing is a metal strip that protects the vulnerable connections from water damage, and it is important to install it properly.
Another safety concern is the stairs on your deck. Ensure that they are secure and that the risers and treads meet building codes for height and spacing. Stairs can become dangerous if they are not safe to climb.
If your deck has a hot tub or spa, make sure you have a drain system to prevent the buildup of water and debris underneath. You should also check that any landscaping around your deck isn’t causing negative grading, which can cause rainwater to flow down into your deck. This can rot the underside of the deck and pull it away from your home.
Inspect the Deck
The wood that makes up the deck’s frame is susceptible to damage. This is why it’s important to visually inspect the structure. If you notice rotting, sagging, or bowing, it’s time to replace the affected boards. The inspection should also focus on the area where the deck attaches to the house and any other areas that might collect water. A metal flashing is an essential piece of protection that stops moisture from leaking between the deck and the house. Check to make sure this is properly installed and that it’s free of rust and other signs of corrosion.
Using a flashlight, look underneath the deck to check for fasteners and connectors that may be in need of repair. This includes metal joist hangers and post anchors. If you see rust, they should be replaced immediately. You should also look for any signs of rot or fungus on the ledger, which is the all-important piece of framing that attaches the deck to your home. A rotten ledger is the leading cause of deck collapse, so it’s very important to keep an eye on it and take steps to protect it.
You should also examine the footings, which are the concrete foundations that hold up the deck. If they’re settling or cracking, it’s likely due to a problem with the soil beneath the deck. This is an issue that should be addressed right away to prevent the deck from collapsing in the future.
Once the deck is dry, it’s time to prepare it for staining or sealing. First, it should be cleaned thoroughly to remove any debris or moss growth that may have settled. Then it should be sanded to remove any bumps or uneven surfaces that will be impacted by the new sealant. Finally, it should be wiped down with a damp cloth to remove any excess dirt and dust that was missed when cleaning.
It’s always a good idea to have your deck professionally inspected after it has been cleaned and before you apply a stain or sealant. A professional will be able to identify any safety issues that you might have overlooked and help you get your deck up to code, such as railing heights or spacing between balusters.
Repair Damaged Boards
While powerwashing is a great way to remove mildew and dirt, it can damage the surface of some wood surfaces. Check the deck for damaged boards and replace them promptly to prevent rot. If the damage is severe enough, you may need to call in professional help to repair the problem.
Look for cracked or rotten board ends, which will eventually become loose and threaten the safety of your family and guests. It is also a good idea to look for splinters and rotten spots in between boards. If these areas are small, you can usually repair them with wood glue and a hammer or splinter claw. If you find a broken board, use a pry bar or hammer to separate the old board from its supports or stringers. Cut a new board to match the length of the existing one. Make sure that the new board is straight and level before screwing it into place. If the stringers or supports are damaged, they will need to be replaced as well.
Inspect all the framing members underneath your deck. You should particularly pay attention to the area where the posts and beams are in direct contact with the ground or footing. If you notice signs of dry rot, check the integrity of any nearby joists and replace any that are spongy or soft. You can also reinforcing a rotten section of a joist by adding a splint made of pressure-treated lumber alongside it and securing it with deck screws.
You should also inspect the metal hardware, such as joist hangers and rail connectors, for signs of rust and corrosion. You should also replace any that have become loose or corroded. You can usually re-attach loose hardware with wood glue and a hammer, but it is recommended that you use screws that are slightly longer than the nails to avoid damaging the surrounding wood.
Rearrange furniture and grills occasionally to avoid excessive wear in certain areas of the deck. Trim nearby plants and trees to keep them away from the deck to avoid moisture damage and rot. Avoid using outdoor rugs that are made from natural materials like jute or bamboo, as they will absorb moisture and promote mildew. If you must use them, choose recycled plastic rugs that won’t promote these problems.
Replace Damaged Railings
Over time, the elements will take a toll on your deck. Moisture seeping into cracks can rot or cause boards to loosen, while changing temperatures can make wood shrink and expand, causing railings to sag or even break. It’s important to regularly inspect your deck and make repairs as soon as you spot problems, to prevent costly repairs in the future.
If the railings are rotten or damaged, it’s time to replace them. This is a fairly easy DIY project that many homeowners can handle themselves. Start by removing the top cap and screws from the upper railing connectors to free it from the lower rail. Next, remove the balusters by pulling them up firmly.
Use the top of a post to mark where the new lower rail should be attached, then remove the old upper rail and railing connectors. If possible, remove the old railing in one piece to use as a template for the new one. If there are any complex angles or notches in the rail, straighten them before you pull it to lessen damage to the new part.
Screws and nails can become loose, especially with changes in temperature, so double-check the connections and tighten them as needed. If the rails are still wobbly after tightening them, consider adding additional fasteners to strengthen the connections and reduce future movement.
When you’re replacing balusters, it’s a good idea to measure and cut the new ones to the proper length to ensure they fit correctly. You can also use metal brackets or wooden blocks to reinforce the connections and help keep the rails in place.
A deck should be treated and stained or sealed annually to protect the surface from moisture, sunlight, dirt, mold and insects. Regularly cleaning and repairing your deck will extend its life and help you enjoy your outdoor space for years to come. In Ontario, it’s particularly important to protect your deck from the elements during the winter. Many homeowners cover their decks with tarps over the winter to limit moisture exposure, but it’s also essential to sweep and shovel snow regularly and to clean gutters so water isn’t directed onto the deck and freezes in place, creating ice dams that can crack and destroy the wood.
