When winter comes to an end, one of the things you may think of first as a homeowner is how to prepare your deck for spring. Decks are great for outdoor hosting, as a kids’ play area, or as a place for you to relax and enjoy the warmer weather.
As you usher in the spring season, there are specific measures to prepare your deck for spring properly.
3 Ways to Prepare Your Deck for Spring
Below are three simple ways to prepare your deck for spring so you and your loved ones can enjoy your outdoor space safely.
Clean Your Deck for Spring
It’s essential to clean your deck regularly, but it’s more vital after winter. Most people don’t clean the deck much throughout winter as falling snow and snowstorms keep piling up debris throughout the season.
As you welcome spring, the very first thing you need to do is give your deck a thorough cleaning. Not only will it rejuvenate the outdoor space, but it will make it easier to move to the next step in preparation for spring.
The type of grime and dirt on your deck and the decking material will determine the type of cleaner you’ll use. As you shop, make sure you choose the right cleaner to ensure you take out all the dirt without damaging the deck. Your options include:
- Sodium hypochlorite-based cleaners are great for getting rid of mildew but weak in removing dirt and other stains. Do not use these on redwood or composite decking.
- Sodium percarbonate is excellent for removing dirt, mildew, and other stains.
- Oxalic acid is ideal for dissolving stains on cedar and redwood.
Inspect the Deck
Multiple things can go wrong due to wear and tear on a deck. The problem is compounded more by the falling snow that builds up throughout the season.
As your deck carries the heavy load of snow and debris, wood can break and high moisture levels can accelerate mildew growth, wood rot, and rust in the screws and nails holding your deck together. Inspect the deck to identify any damage that might be a hazard. As you do your inspection, look out for rust, splintered and rotting wood, and water damage to determine what needs to be repaired or replaced.
Repair the Deck
Once you’ve done your inspection and know what repairs and improvements you need to make, it’s time to restore your deck. You can hire a professional to fix it or save on the cost and DIY minor repairs.
If there are areas where you have rotten wood or loose screws, replace and fasten them respectively to restore the deck’s structural integrity. If there is extensive rot damage, bring in a professional to identify the extent of the rot and potentially rebuild the whole deck.
Once the repairs are finished, stain and seal the deck materials to match the rest of the deck.
Inspect It Neil provides inspections to customers in New Jersey. Contact us to schedule our services.