Ways to Repair Your Deck on Long Island
Spring is here; the time of year Long Island transitions from dreary and cold to cheerful and warm so don’t you want to open the doors from your kitchen or family room to your inviting outdoor oasis? Seasonal weather can desperately damage your outdoor entertainment areas, specifically your patios and decks. We’ve prepared a list of 5 deck repair and maintenance tips so you can get maximum enjoyment out of your deck this spring!
5 Tips for Deck Repair and Maintenance
It’s time to get your winter trodden deck ready for the summer months. The professionals at Good Guys Contracting have made it easy to do with these five easy tips.
- Power/pressure wash: Winter weather and exposure to other elements such as sun damage, dirt, mold, and mildew can leave your deck looking old and dilapidated. Have your deck looking brand new in no time. You can rent or purchase a small power washing unit at almost any hardware store. Most cleaning solutions are sold where the equipment is rented/purchased or you can use regular household cleaners.
Before getting started, you should remove all furniture, toys, flower pots and loose objects from the deck area. Using a fan tip (recommended fan tip size for deck cleaning is 40-60 degrees) and low pressure, start the water by depressing the trigger and spraying from the tops of the railings downward. For the deck surface, hold wand about 12 inches from the deck and use a sweeping motion working from your house outward, going with the grain so not to leave a streaky appearance once the deck is dry.
- Repair: Rainwater can be very hard on wood decks causing the wood to warp, split or the nails to pop out. Be sure to remove exposed nails with the back end of a hammer and replace the nails with new 3-inch deck screws. Split, loose or broken boards should be replaced. If you notice signs of rot though, call a professional.
- Stain and Seal: Restore the beauty of your deck by simply re-staining it. You can choose from any color company, though Behr has a considerable selection. You might want to try to match the finish stain to the original deck stain. Pick up a few synthetic paint brushes and small paint rollers and on your clean and dry deck, paint following the grains of the wood. A topical sealant can be applied to help protect your deck surface and extend its longevity.
- Structure damage check: Deck safety is important! To maintain the integrity of the deck structure, you should perform regular safety checks at the beginning of every spring/summer season. Check for water leaks; they can weaken the wood surfaces and cause lifting and swelling. Inspect the stairs and railings for soundness. Be sure to look for any damage caused by termites (the wood will actually look eaten), or corrosion or rust to any metal fixtures.
- DECK-orate: Bring on the ambiance! Creating your outdoor space should be fun! You can set up your furniture, add table top decorative accents, use potted plants and flowers or build a hanging window box planter. Fire pits and chimineas also add a cozy touch for those rare but chilly outdoor evenings.
Deck safety and regular maintenance should be as important to you as the aesthetics. If you cannot make the necessary repairs yourself, please contact Good Guys Contracting at (631) 238-1125 for your immediate repair needs. Good Guys Contracting is an award winning deck building company and can be trusted to repair your deck this season.
Sources: Thisoldhouse.com, HGTV.com, Abouthome.com