The Dos and Don’ts of Deck Maintenance in 2022

If you just had a new deck constructed, taking care of it can seem like a huge endeavor. It doesn’t have to be, but it’s important. Routine maintenance can forestall repairs and protect this project you’ve invested in. So what are the dos and don’ts of deck maintenance for 2022? Read on to find out how to protect your investment.

Do: Inspect Your Deck

After installing your deck, you should routinely inspect it for wood rot and make sure it’s still structurally sound. This is especially important for the first few months since it’ll tip you off about the quality of the work. Summer is the perfect time to inspect the deck’s conditions as the air is warm and dry. Here are a few tips to get you started:

• Wiggle or put weight on the railings.

• If you notice raised or exposed nails, pull them out and put in wood screws. Exposed nails can be incredibly dangerous, so it’s important not to skip this step.

• Get in the habit of sweeping your deck of any debris. This is the perfect habit to pick up, as the fallen leaves that will come in the fall can make a mess of things.

• Fill holes in the boards with external wood filler.

Don’t: Use a High-Powered Pressure Washer

While it may seem to save you a bit of time, a pressure washer could do more harm than good in the long run. For example, it can cause splintering and wood damage. If you must use one, make sure you move the spray around in a sweeping motion so that it doesn’t damage the wood on the deck. A quick aside: you should never pressure wash composite decking. Doing so can affect your warranty since most companies don’t cover the damage.

Do: Replace Damaged Deck Boards

You must replace your damaged boards since they’re a safety hazard. It’s not too far of a stretch to imagine a small child running over a damaged deck and tripping or hurting themselves because of splintering on your custom-made deck. Additionally, it’s an eyesore. You want a well-maintained deck that will look great when you throw parties or have friends over in the summer.

Don’t: Paint Your Deck

Not painting your deck is an important point when we speak on the dos and don’ts of deck maintenance. While you can use paint as a sealant, you shouldn’t. Paint chips and scuffs over time, so it’ll require maintenance every few years. In addition to this, it can be a serious eyesore. Instead, stain your deck. You expose your deck to pretty harsh conditions, so staining it will make it look great for years without the hassle of constantly reapplying paint.

Your deck is one of your biggest investments. If you want to protect it well, you must follow these simple steps. You’ll have a beautiful, pristine deck for years to come if you do.

image credit: The Dos and Don’ts of Deck Maintenance in 2022 – File#: 183466741