We all have been there: we have a deck, which we love and use frequently but needs some routine maintenance. Sometimes, we don't get around to doing a quick fix, so a small problem could become bigger. This might necessitate more expensive repairs. Sound familiar? You're not alone, especially if you've had some regular preventative maintenance, which has become a necessary repair.
Fortunately, there are some upgrades and enhancements that you can do so that your deck will be less likely to have problems like mold, warping, and structural weakness. Additionally, Trex decking has custom upgrades available, such as Trex Seal, and Trex Protect, which will help you waterproof your deck to have an extended life.
Waterproof with Joist Tape
No matter what your deck's surface is made of, your deck's substructure will be made from wood. You might have pressure-treated pine, cedar, or composite for your surface, but the underside support will always be made from wood. So it's important to protect your deck's support system by preventing water leaks and keeping any moisture away.
Products like Trex Protect's butyl joist tape will help protect your deck's joists, beams, and fasteners. This waterproof tape is easy to apply and has a 25-year warranty. Using joist tape will help extend the life of your deck and increase the strength of your deck's substructure. It will also prevent any rot occurring from moisture residue.
Sealing Your Deck
To seal or not the seal, that is the question. It's better to seal if you have a wood deck surface, as this will keep rain and snow from penetrating the wood. It also will create a barrier from any moisture seepage and will keep your wood protected much longer. If you have a composite deck surface, you do not need to seal it.
It is possible to use a wood sealant with UV protection, mainly if you live in a sunny state. Decks need to apply sealant about once a year, although you can go for a bit longer in a less harsh climate. We definitely recommend sealing your wooden deck, as this is the first line of protection that you will have against the elements.
Staining Your Wood
If you do not want to apply sealant but want to change the color of your wood, we recommend a high-quality stain. Like a sealant, a wood stain will provide a shield against moisture and extend your wood's life. Stains can come in a clear color option but can also be found in rich colors to enhance the wood on your deck's surface.
Staining your deck will lengthen its life, and it's aesthetically pleasing. The natural wood grain will show through the stain, giving you protection plus beauty. Apply wood stain about once a year, but much depends on the climate, use, and foot traffic.
Painting Your Deck
Conversely, you could always opt to paint your deck. There are benefits and drawbacks to painting. Note: you should be committed to ensuring your paint always looks good on your deck, thus minimizing wood chips and checking areas that have peeled. Another critical point about painting your deck is that although it provides a solid barrier of protection, paint can make it slippery. Use good judgment when picking your paint color, as darker colors can make your deck surface hotter. It is not recommended to paint composite decking.
Routine Maintenance
The phrase "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" applies to decks! It's simple - by performing regular inspections of your deck (both the top and bottom) and ensuring your deck's substructure is in good shape, you can ward off many expensive repairs.
Besides routine maintenance and thoroughly checking your deck, don't forget to clean regularly. Clean a deck annually, especially before doing any maintenance. Cleaning will not only (obviously!) keep your deck clean, but it will enable you to see any potential problems before they become a more significant threat.
Areas to check include:
- Inspect the underside of the deck, including the footings, posts, beams, and joists. Check for wet spots, cracks, and pests, like beehives and termites, and finally, ensure the fasteners are in good shape. If you see a rusted deck screw, replace it.
- Inspect your deck boards by examining any surface stains, split wood, or warped boards. While you're at it, make sure your railings are not loose. Re-fasten any loose railings immediately.
- As mentioned before, choose either sealant, stain, or paint to protect your wood's surface. Using any of these will keep your deck looking great for a long time.
Regular Cleaning
Cleaning your deck is paramount to its longevity. The most effective way to ensure your deck stays safe, strong, and in top shape is to perform regular cleaning. Clean your deck annually but more frequently if you live in a region with more extreme weather.
Clean your wood surface with a deck cleaner. You can either buy one or make your own DIY deck cleaner. Let the surface thoroughly dry. Then apply sealant or stain. Either of those options will help protect your wood.
If you have composite decking, you can clean it with soap and water or buy a composite cleaner. With a composite deck like Trex, a good yearly cleaning is all it needs to look good.
A Few Final Thoughts
You have a gorgeous deck that completes your stunning outdoor oasis. Ensure that it has a long life by keeping your deck clean and debris-free, and examine it routinely for any problems. By performing these simple tasks, you will find that your deck will last for deck-ades! See what we did there? Happy decking!
