Handyman in Cambridge: Simple Ways to Maintain Your Deck

A backyard deck is a beautiful addition to a property, offering an outdoor location for leisure and celebration with family and friends. Unfortunately, a deck also creates responsibility because it requires regular upkeep to ensure longevity and functionality. Deck repair in Cambridge is a common characteristic of ownership because of fluctuating temperatures throughout the year and various weather patterns. That said, homeowners can do things to protect the integrity of their deck, ensuring they get the most out of its lifespan.

Tips To Maintain Your Deck

Deck maintenance is not optional, regardless of the material you choose. A wood deck requires the most upkeep, but a composite material is not entirely maintenance-free. Natural wood decks are also the most affordable and, many would argue, the most beautiful and inviting.

If you choose wood, know that every year, you will need to perform maintenance or hire someone to do it for you. Harsh winters will often reduce the level of protection from previous years. If you want your wood deck to last, there are at least four things you should do.

1. Stain It

Staining or sealing a wood deck helps ensure its longevity. The stain can protect the wood against sun exposure and water damage. To ensure the most protection, seal the deck with one or two coats of a high-quality solid, semi-opaque, or semi-transparent stain.

You can add colour to your deck using an exterior oil or latex stain as a first coat. Some stains provide mildew and fade resistance; darker stain choices or synthetic pigments can offer UV protection. If you feel creative, you can also mix and match stain colours. For example, maybe you want a darker stain for the decking and a lighter stain for the railing. 

2. Clean It Regularly

You must keep the deck clean. Dirt and debris can damage the surface of the deck. Some of the damage will occur on a microscopic level, causing abrasions in the surface of the stain or sealant. The more a deck sustains, the less damage a paint or sealant can prevent. 

Clean your deck weekly with a broom. At least once annually, clean the deck with a wood deck cleaner. The cleaners come with various ingredients, but they are all designed to eliminate mould, dirt, algae, and oxidation.

3. Avoid Pressure Washing

When people invest in high-quality deck materials Kitchener, they want to keep the deck clean and protected. Unfortunately, some of the best intentions result in the worst outcomes. Many deck owners assume pressure washing is the best way to maintain a deck, but pressure washers can do more harm than good.

Pressure washing your deck can soften the wood, leaving it vulnerable to UV rays and sun damage. If you insist on using a pressure washer, always use it at its lowest setting. Also, remember that a regular garden hose with a nozzle provides enough pressure for routine cleaning.

4. Complete Small Repairs As Needed

After cleaning a deck, inspect it for damage. You must look for loose boards and splinters or rot. Rot is contagious, so you must remove it when you see it. Remember, it is cheaper to replace a couple of boards than an entire deck.

You’ll also want to assess the deck railing and supports. Give the railing a push and shake to ensure it is steady and secure. If possible, go under the deck to inspect support beams and connection points. Completing regular inspections and making routine repairs ensures the life of your deck.

Handyman Connection Can Help

When was the last time you cleaned or inspected your deck? Contact Handyman Connection to schedule an assessment with a qualified deck professional with verified experience and skills.