On Long Island, timber decks have long been seen as the ultimate in backyard upgrades, and for good reason. A timber deck expands the livable area of a home, creates entertainment possibilities where none existed before, adds bottom-line market value to a property and can be used as a link between your home’s indoors and other outdoor features like a pool area or outdoor kitchen. But timber decks need proper maintenance like repairing or replacing loose planks in a timely fashion and power washing the deck periodically. Below we’re going to look at some of the different ways you can make timber decking last longer.
Build your deck using quality materials
“You get what you pay for” not only applies to clothes and cars, it also applies to decking materials. If you choose to build the floor of your deck out of wood that has not been pressure-treated you are asking for trouble down the line. The best woods to create a deck from are cedar, redwood and any type of pressure-treated lumber, including pine. It won’t be cheap but you will help ensure that your deck is up to the challenge nature has in store for it. Also, make sure the connectors you use (nails, screws and braces) are intended for outdoor use. Otherwise, they’ll corrode and endanger the structural integrity of the entire deck.
Conduct periodic inspections of the deck
You should conduct a thorough inspection of the deck at least once a year. Look for loose boards, rotting wood, cracks, mold or anything else that could compromise the long-term viability of the deck. Have a hammer and a drill at the ready and walk around the deck looking for problems. If you spot anything during your inspection make sure you address it immediately. Hammer down any raised nails. Tighten up any loose screws and make note of any pieces of timber that need to be replaced. And here’s the key: replace them ASAP.
The longer you let problems fester the more difficult and costly they will be to fix. This is especially true when it comes to fixing issues with the support structure of the deck. If columns or support beams begin to rot or come loose you could be looking at the eventual collapse of the deck. So make notes regarding any problem areas, take photos if that helps, then get the high-quality wood you need to effect repairs and get on it. Either that or call a contractor to fix it.
Don’t set planters directly on the deck
Even pressure-treated lumber can be damaged if it is constantly exposed to water. This happens a lot when people set planters directly on the wooden deck. Now, everyone loves to have plants on their deck. They add atmosphere and enhance the livability of the deck area. But every time it rains water winds up trapped between the bottom of the planter and the deck surface. When you finally move the planter to clean the deck you’ll see a ring of water-damaged wood. Instead of setting planters directly on the deck surface, place them on metal stands that elevate them and allow air to move underneath so that any water under the planter will quickly evaporate.
Find reliable power washing services on Long Island
Dirt, dust, soot and all kinds of airborne pollutants can not only make your deck look dull and dingy but can actually gnaw away at the surface of the deck, undermining its ability to resist water damage while shortening its life. The best way to prevent this from happening is to find a reliable power washing company and have them thoroughly clean the deck at least once a year. You don’t have to do a Google search for “power washing near me”. All you have to do is call Majestic Window Cleaning & Pressure Washing. We’re the Long Island pressure washing professionals more local homeowners trust than any other.
Keep an eye out for termites
One of the selling points of pressure-treated lumber is that it is termite resistant. And it is; termite resistant. But it is not 100% termite-proof. In some cases, the chemicals used to treat the lumber will not penetrate all the way to the center of the plank or beam. If that’s the case, and the end of the plank or beam is cut off, it can expose the untreated center to the air and invite termites. Wood components that have been cracked or otherwise damaged may also wind up inviting termites. Also, keep in mind that the chemicals used to treat the lumber will eventually leech away and leave the wood vulnerable.
Perform daily maintenance
Power washing, replacing broken or damaged planks, elevating planters off the surface and other types of maintenance are all essential, but maybe the most important thing you can do is to sweep the deck off a couple of times each week. It’s also important that you get out there and clean the deck thoroughly after big get-togethers like 4th of July barbeques and birthday parties. People spill all kinds of things on the deck during parties, especially after dark. So it’s important that greasy food and other substances aren’t allowed to fester on the deck.
Get in Touch With Majestic
Whether you need power washing for the deck or it’s time to power wash the house get in touch with the team at Majestic Window Cleaning & Pressure Washing by calling (631) 421-229.