6 Ways to Extend the Life of Your Deck
Author : Coffs Coast Deck Building | Published On : 04 Apr 2024
Building a deck is a significant investment, and it requires proper planning and attention to detail to extend its life. Getting hold of a deck designer in Coffs Harbour will be crucial for an ideal deck for your house. Whether you're planning to build a new deck or have an existing one, here are some detailed tips to help you get the most out of your deck and maximize your ROI.
1. Use high-quality lumber or composite decking:
When it comes to choosing the right decking material, you should consider the advantages and disadvantages of wood and composite decking. While composite decking may be more expensive, it offers a better return on investment in the long run since it doesn't require staining or sealing. It's also more resistant to rot and insect damage.
If you decide to use wood decking, choose naturally rot and insect-resistant varieties like redwood, cedar, and ipe. Alternatively, you can use pressure-treated lumber, which is treated with chemicals to resist decay and insects.
2. Install flashing tape on beams and joists:
Flashing tape is a thin, waterproof membrane that protects your deck's joists, beams, and ledger boards. It helps to reduce future maintenance, increase your deck's lifespan, and hold deck screws and fasteners tighter. You can use butyl-based tape, which is flexible and durable, to protect your deck's structural integrity.
3. Annually inspect your deck for damage:
It's essential to inspect your deck annually for damage, especially if it's exposed to the elements year-round. Look for signs of stress such as cracks or large splinters, wider tops of the joist indicating water penetration, soft spots, decay at the ends of boards, indications of insect damage, and rusted metal screws or fasteners. If you spot rot, you'll need to replace the affected wood.
It's recommended to get a professional opinion on whether you can fix the damage with a few new boards and beams or whether you need a replacement. Additionally, if your posts were buried in the ground (which is no longer best practice) or if your joists are spaced too far apart, you may need to replace the entire substructure.
4. Keep it clean:
Maintaining a clean deck is crucial to its longevity. You should sweep off your deck boards often to prevent debris from collecting in the corners and grime from getting stuck between the boards. If you don't clean your deck regularly, moisture can accumulate, which can lead to rot.
You can wash the deck annually or as needed with a cleaning solution appropriate for your deck's surface. Be careful with pressure washers since they can damage and splinter decking. If you do use a power washer, choose a low setting and a fan tip, keeping the nozzle at least 6” from the deck floor. Thoroughly rinse away any suds after cleaning to prevent a film from remaining.
5. Stain or seal your deck:
Once you've cleaned the deck, you can apply a sealer to protect the wood from moisture and UV rays. If you have a wood deck, you should seal it to prevent rot and decay. Choose a sunny day above 50°F, sand down any rough surfaces, and apply the sealant in thin layers. You'll likely need more than one coat to seal the wood fibers. Let the sealer dry completely before moving the furnishings back on deck.
6. Keep plants in check:
Greenery can add to the natural beauty of your deck, but it can also damage the wood. Cut back vegetation that may climb onto your boards and hold in moisture. Trim back tree limbs that are overhanging and likely to fall on the deck and cause damage to your deck design in Coffs Harbour.
If you have potted plants on the deck boards, use risers or plant stands to prevent moisture from being trapped on the boards.
By following these detailed tips, you can extend the life of your deck, maximize your ROI, and enjoy the outdoors for many years to come.
