Brantford Deck Repair: Tips to Protect the Porch From Summer Heat

Summer is the best time to enjoy your outdoor living space, but the sun’s heat can be brutal. And let’s not forget about UV rays on the skin. Your body isn’t the only thing vulnerable to the heat and humidity. Your deck takes a beating, too. Protect yourself and your deck with these sun blockers. If you need deck repair, Handyman Connection can take care of it.

Umbrellas

If you don’t have a pergola or trellis that provides shade, an umbrella can be a great temporary solution. Think you don’t have enough space to install a straight umbrella? Go with a cantilevered umbrella that hangs in the air because it’s supported on the side. This gives you more options than a normal umbrella that sits in the middle of a table. Unfortunately, an umbrella is only a temporary solution, but they come in a lot of different colours, so you have plenty of options to fit on your deck. You can move the umbrella as the sun shifts, giving you shade all through the day.

Curtains and Shade Awnings

Awnings come in a lot of styles and colours, so matching your home’s style isn’t a problem. You can install manual or automatic awnings, whichever fits your budget. Awnings can also help reduce the energy use in your home, so they aren’t only for protecting your deck. The right awnings can enhance your home and protect your patio furniture. An awning also protects you from rain, letting you get more use out of your patio.

Not ready for the investment? Use curtains to surround your patio. Although curtains aren’t a regular choice for patios in Canada, they have been popular around the world for centuries. Not only will you block out the sun, but you can also block some of the bugs and the wind. Many fabrics come with sun and water resistance, as well as coming in many different colours. Curtains can be closed when you aren’t on the deck, which protects the wood, too.

Plant a Tree

If you’d like the most eco-friendly shade option, you’ll have to think long-term and plant some trees. Consider which trees thrive in your climate zone and weather conditions, but look for faster-growing trees or bushes that won’t have aggressive root systems, which can damage plumbing and your home’s foundation. Climbing vines may be a quicker option without worrying about root damage, but the vines need to be able to handle the heat and sun. Once the trees are providing shade, you can remove the vines or guide them to grow on another trellis.

Stains/Sealers

Keeping your deck protected from the sun is one thing to make it last longer. Regular maintenance is another way to give your deck more life. Power wash the deck at the beginning and end of the season. Use a cleaner that inhibits mould and mildew growth. Inspect the deck as you power wash to look for loose boards and nails. Watch for mold and mildew on the deck. Check the joints to make sure they’re secure. Plan to paint or seal the deck every three to five years. Use a sealer or stain that blocks the sun’s UV rays. Spending a few hours maintaining your deck will give it longevity.

Can’t find time to take care of your deck? It’s understandable with how busy most families are. Instead of using your vacation to do chores, get help to relax and rest before going back to work. When you do need a handyman in Brantford to make repairs or if you’re ready to upgrade to a new deck, contact Handyman Connection.