3 Deck Maintenance Tips You Need To Know

Decks can last a really long time but as years go by and they are subjected to foot traffic and bad weather they begin to show signs of wear and tear eventually. To make sure your deck lasts for decades more without needing any major repairs or replacements, making sure you actively maintain your deck is very important. Here are 3 tips for deck maintenance Simi Valley CA residents cannot afford to miss:

1. Always wash your deck before doing any work on it.

It does not matter what type of maintenance or repairs you plan on doing for your deck, if you will be working on it you need to take the time to properly wash and prepare it first. You can use a thick scrub brush and water to thoroughly clean your deck before you start repairs, but a much quicker and easier way is to rent a pressure washer. For deck maintenance Simi Valley CA homeowners that have access to a pressure washer will be able to clean off the entire deck, removing wood fiber, dirt and other debris in just a few minutes. After you deck has been washed, allow it to dry for 1 or 2 days—even if it looks dry the inside could still be wet.

2. Use screws to fix popped nails.

If you notice that one (or more) of the nails on your deck have popped loose, fixing the issue as soon as possible is important if you want to prevent the boards from permanently warping or causing other damage. If a nail is popped, use the claw side of a hammer to remove the nail and then use a screw to drill the board back into place. Be sure that the screw is longer than the original nail you pulled out or it may not have a proper hold.

3. Seal your deck.

While staining your deck is optional depending on the type of look you are going for, waterproof coating and sealant should not be. Without having your deck sealed it will deteriorate much faster in heavy rains or if you have a pool inside the deck that is often used. If you do not know how to seal your deck yourself, there are plenty of professional sealing and deck maintenance Simi Valley CA available to choose from.