Scarborough Home Repairs: Prepare Your Deck For Summer With These Tips!

It’s easy to forget how much abuse your deck takes from the elements. Your deck sits outside exposed to rain, sun, wind and more 365 days a year, 24 hours a day. It’s a lot. If you and your family are out on the deck, that wears away the finish and puts more stress on your deck. Your deck should last 15 to 20 years, but it takes regular maintenance and care to keep your deck looking its best. Handyman Connection offers deck repair services in Scarborough, so if you find any problems at the start of the season, we can handle them.

Inspect It

When the weather warms up, before you start spending hours outside, take a morning to inspect your deck for any issues. Check the condition of the wood. Look for any soft spots or rotting. Watch for hardware that is raised, rusted or fallen out. Check the railings, to make sure they are sturdy. Also, check for mould and mildew, especially in places that are hidden. Walk around on the surface of the deck. Feel for wood that is spongy or doesn’t feel properly attached to the joists. If you find problems, contact your local deck repair team to make corrections.

Stain It

One of the best ways to make your deck look fresh is to stain it. You can even choose a different colour of stain to give your deck an entirely new look. While staining is a lot like painting, there are some differences. Use stain-specific equipment, brushes, pads, rollers and trays. The consistency of stain can be a little different than paint, and it’s important to get an even coat. We recommend staining two boards at a time and applying the stain with the grain to get an even coat. Make sure to work in an organized pattern so that you don’t have to step back on the boards. You’ll probably want to put a second coat on the wood after the first coat completely dries.

Wash It

At the beginning of the season, give your deck a good washing. Using a power washer can make the job much easier and quicker. Don’t set pressure so high that you damage the wood, but use a good detergent and hot water to clean the deck. Check the detergent you use to ensure it won’t damage your plants or the environment. If you choose a sunny weekend, the sun can help to dry out the wood.

Clean it

If a good power washing doesn’t clean your deck, you may need to upgrade the cleanser. There are dozens of peroxides and bleaches on the market that can do the job, but again, make sure that you use a cleaner that is biodegradable and doesn’t hurt the ecosystem in your garden. If you’re using a harsher chemical cleaner than simple soap, use goggles, gloves and a breathing mask for your own safety. It shouldn’t take more than a day to clean your deck. Choose a sunny day so that the deck can dry out before you stain it.

Wood Decks Enhance Your Outdoor Space

A wood deck can be an investment in your home, both financially and emotionally. You can spend hours on a deck enjoying the great outdoors with your family and relaxing in nature. If you’re interested in deck installation in Scarborough or repairs to a current deck, contact Handyman Connection. Our team of craftsmen can help design and build a beautiful deck that complements your home and lifestyle. We’ll do the heavy work while you watch and dream of sitting outside enjoying a sunset from the privacy of your deck.