Make sure to clean up plant debris that piles up in the corners of your wood deck.
The beginning of fall is the perfect time to perform preventative maintenance on your wood deck. This is the time when the temperature hasn’t gotten too cold, the first snow hasn’t yet fallen, and you still have access to the deck without snow or ice getting in the way. Here are some tips for maintaining your deck during the fall so that it survives the winter.
Trim Vegetation Away
Make sure that any vegetation that comes in contact with the deck—trees, bushes, etc.—are trimmed so that they are not touching the deck. Vegetation should be trimmed so that they are at least 12 inches away from the wood of the deck. Doing this will prevent mold growth from forming. Luckily, if you have the under deck gutter system, you have less to worry about. Another thing to check for is plant debris that tends to pile up in the corners. Keeping after this maintenance is especially difficult during the fall, since more and more leaves pile up on the ground every day. Stay vigilant! Your beautiful wood deck will thank you.
Move Furniture
Anything that stays on your deck for a long period of time—such as planters, chairs, or tables—need to be moved around occasionally. This is to ensure that no dark discolorations show up where these items are blocking the sun. Moving your deck furniture is not only good for the wood of the deck, but it also freshens the look and feel of your space. If you are clearing furniture off your deck, it is also an ideal time to give your deck a quick scrub. Take some water and dish soap and scrub the surface of your deck with a straw brush or broom. This gentle cleaning won’t put any wear on your wood deck, plus it cleans away any dirt that can wear out your finish.
Check for Repairs
If your deck needs any repairs, they are better done now rather than waiting through the winter. Check the railings of your deck to make sure they’re not loose. You can also check to make sure that your wood deck is attached securely to your home. If you do notice any safety problems with your wood deck, you can contact a professional to fix it. A professional will also be able to perform a more knowledgeable scan for safety hazards.
Since 1894, Fisher Lumber and Hardware has been serving homeowners and professional contractors in the Maryland, Washington D.C., and Northern Virginia areas with top quality lumber, building materials, tools, and accessories. Operating under the same ownership since 1947, our business has been built on our reputation with our customers. Get in touch with us today by calling 301-424-6500 or by visiting our website. Stay in touch via Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, and Google+ too!