Don't Let Your Deck Rot: 4 Ways to Maintain Your Wooden Deck

Your outdoor wooden deck is an essential part of your home, providing you with a space to relax and enjoy the outdoors. Unfortunately, if left unchecked, your wooden deck can become damaged and start to rot. To ensure that your deck stays in excellent condition and lasts for years, proper maintenance and care are essential. 

In this blog post, we’ll provide you with seven tips on how to keep your deck in tip-top shape so that you can enjoy it for years to come. Read on to find out more!

1) Keep it Clean

Maintaining your wooden deck starts with the basics: keeping it clean. After all, a dirty deck is more susceptible to wear and tear from the elements and can become a breeding ground for rot and mold. To keep your deck looking its best, you should give it a good scrubbing with a mild cleaning solution at least twice a year.

It’s important to choose the right cleaner for the job. Generally, it’s best to avoid using harsh chemicals or detergents that could cause damage to the wood. Instead, opt for a solution specifically designed for wood decks. If you have an older deck, you may want to consider an oxygen bleach-based cleaner instead. Once you’ve chosen the right cleaner, mix it with water and use a soft-bristle brush or a pressure washer to clean away dirt and debris. Be sure to rinse the entire deck after cleaning to ensure no residue remains.

Keeping your deck clean is an essential part of maintenance and should be noticed. Doing so can help ensure your deck looks its best and lasts for years to come.

2.) Protect it From the Elements

One of the most important things you can do to protect your wooden deck from the elements is to create a maintenance plan. Regularly inspecting and cleaning your deck will help keep it looking good for years to come. The best way to protect your deck from the elements is by regularly cleaning it with a quality cleaner and sealing it with a waterproof sealant.

Cleaning your deck with a quality cleaner helps prevent mold, mildew, and other unwanted buildups. It’s also important to apply a waterproof sealant on the deck’s surface before each season to help prevent water damage. Additionally, use furniture covers or placemats to protect your furniture from sun, rain, and wind.

When it comes to protecting your deck from the elements, it’s also important to keep it clear of debris like leaves, branches, dirt, and twigs. Sweep away any debris on a regular basis, and use a garden hose to rinse off any dirt or grime. If you’re in an area prone to snow, be sure to shovel the snow off your deck as soon as possible after it snows.

3.) Seal it

Sealing your deck is one of the most important things you can do to protect it. Sealing will help protect the wood from moisture, sun damage, and other outdoor elements. Look for a sealant specifically designed for outdoor wood, such as a clear sealant or a stain-sealant combo. 

When applying the sealant, make sure to follow the instructions carefully and use the right brush or roller. Make sure to get into all the cracks and crevices, as these are the places most likely to be exposed to water and rot. You may want to apply a second coat of sealant for extra protection. Allow the sealant to dry completely before using your deck again. This process should be repeated every few years depending on the weather conditions in your area.

4.) Get Your Deck Inspected Regularly

Getting your deck inspected regularly by a professional is an important step in maintaining its health and longevity. Doing so will help you identify problems early on before they become a bigger issue. You should inspect it at least once a year and after any major weather events like snowstorms, heavy rain, or high winds.

An experienced contractor will look for signs of damage like rot, cracks, splits, warping, and discoloration. They will check all the boards, railings, and posts for any wear or tear, and make sure to look for any loose fasteners, corrosion, or broken pieces. They may also check the stairs and steps for stability.

If you notice any of these issues, it's time to take action and call a reliable contractor now, such as Reitzel Roofing & Exteriors. The best thing to do is catch the problem early and make sure it doesn't get worse. We will guide you through every step of your deck repair or replacement process so that you don’t stress! Click here for your complimentary deck inspection.