Fall is upon us, which means it’s time for Kansas City homeowners to tend to the deck that has given them many wonderful summertime memories.
Fall maintenance is an essential part of deck ownership. Doing so not only protects your deck from wintry weather, but it allows you to use your deck during cooler temperatures and allows you to look forward to a beautiful deck come springtime.
Fall maintenance keeps decks sturdy and gorgeous!
After you’ve put your furniture cushions and pool floats into winter storage, pamper your deck by performing the following fall maintenance steps.
- Safety first!
Checking your deck’s structural integrity is the first step in fall maintenance.
A safety inspection must be conducted before any other upkeep can be started. While some damage and weaknesses may be easy to spot, others are not so obvious. This is the reason why it’s important to check out every aspect of the deck, which includes getting underneath to verify that wood rot or mold isn’t present, and that all hardware and connections are tight.
You also need to look for structural issues such as splitting and warped boards, wobbly railings and posts, and any separation between the deck and the house. If you have steps or a pergola, these need to be inspected for problems as well. If you notice any issues and don’t feel confident about doing the repairs yourself, don’t hesitate to contact a Kansas City deck construction expert such as All Weather Decks.
For more detailed information about how to perform a safety check on your deck, read our article here.
- Make it sparkle!
Your deck saw a lot of action during the summer, so you need to give it a good scrubbing to rid it of accumulated dirt, debris, and popsicle drippings. Be sure to check shady areas of your deck for algal growth caused by puddling water.
The first step of the cleaning process involves sweeping off the decking boards, steps, and railings. Next, sprinkle baking soda on your deck’s problem areas. While the baking soda is doing its thing, prepare the cleaning solution you purchased at a store or create your own by combining one cup of white vinegar with one gallon of warm water. Use a stiff-bristled brush to scrub the entire deck, including steps and railings. Once you’ve finished washing your outdoor living space, allow fifteen to twenty minutes to pass before using a pressure washer on the lowest setting to rinse the cleaning solution off the deck.
Now that your deck is safe and clean, it’s time for the final fall maintenance step!
- Staining offers excellent protection!
Your deck needs coated with a stain to shield it from Jack Frost’s bag of tricks.
Freezing rain, snow, and ice can damage your deck just as much as the brutal summer sun, so it’s important to apply a stain to seal out moisture. Doing this will also help your deck retain its beauty, which will amaze you once springtime defeats the snow hiding your decking boards.
Depending on the age of your deck, you may need to apply more than one coat of stain because older wood is dryer as it lacks natural oils, which is why it can absorb the sealant more deeply than younger wood. Once the first coat of stain dries, conduct a test by pouring a small amount of water on a couple of the decking boards. If the water causes the wood to become a darker color, the wood is absorbing the water, which means you need to apply a second coat of stain, and possibly even a third.
Once you’ve finished staining your deck, it’s ready for anything winter brings! However, be vigilant about sweeping snow off your deck because it will become packed down and icy, which will cause the decking boards to become slippery and dangerous.
Fall maintenance extends the life of your deck!
A deck is an investment because it increases the value of your home and improves your lifestyle, which is why it’s important to protect your outdoor living space by prepping it for fall with proper maintenance.
All Weather Decks is your local Kansas City deck construction expert and is determined to help homeowners keep their deck safe and looking spectacular, so it can be enjoyed season after season. However, this is only possible when a deck is inspected and treated with care when fall arrives.
We at All Weather Decks want to ensure that every Kansas City homeowner understands the importance of maintaining their outdoor living space. If any part of your deck appears to be in disrepair, we’ll be happy to come out and see what’s going on. Once we inspect the damage, we’ll present you with a fair estimate. After answering your questions and receiving your approval to proceed, we’ll complete the repairs without blindsiding you with hidden charges. Once our work is done, you can finish winterizing your deck by cleaning and staining it.
Being that we are Kansas City deck construction and repair experts, you can trust All Weather Decks to ensure your deck is safe and can withstand foot traffic and nature’s elements regardless of the season. We don’t take deck construction and safety lightly, which is why you can depend on us to stand by our work. After all, our name is built on quality craftsmanship and your complete satisfaction is our goal. Just check out the shining reviews left by happy homeowners.
If you’re ready to enjoy the quality and peace of mind that only All Weather Decks can deliver, give us a call at 913-206-1974 or contact us online today! We’re eager to help you create the RIGHT deck at the RIGHT price!
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