Spring Home Repair Tips: All Decked Out
by Wendy Croix
Home Improvement Ideas Columnist
A deck extends your living space into your backyard, bringing the comforts of indoors outside. You'll enjoy the pleasures of your home's deck for years to come, so long as you maintain and repair it. This means semi-annual checks, spring and fall, for any damage to planks or railings, and routine maintenance to keep your deck's surface healthy and beautiful. Just follow these handy home repair tips and guidelines.
Home Deck Repair: Improvement Tips as Easy as 1, 2, 3.
If your deck's made of redwood, cypress, or other rot-resistant wood, you have the option of the low-maintenance approach: let the deck weather, and enjoy its natural appearance. However, even the natural approach to a home deck demands a certain amount of repair, since routine maintenance creates significant improvement in your deck's longevity.
- First: Check for missing nails or those that have popped up above the deck's surface. Replace rogue nails with stainless-steel deck screws. Sand any splinters, especially those on railings, and make sure your steps are in good shape.
- Second: Clean your deck--or have professionals clean it. Don't use bleach, if you have a new deck. Ask about the best cleaning solution for your home deck needs, and find out any specific product tips. If you're going for major deck repair and refinishing, cleaning also involves stripping the old finish. You may want to call in the pros.
- Finally: Once your home deck is clean, stripped, and in good repair, decide on a finish.
Which Finish Is Right For You?
The Earlham Analytical Testing Labs in Richmond, Indiana tested 30 semi-transparent, penetrating deck finishes. The top five performers for water repelling wear included one synthetic resin formula and four oil-based finishes. The latter are better in dry climates, the former where heavy rain or snow invites mildew or algae problems. Staining and sealing your deck is an process that must be maintained, but your commitment to home deck repair will add years to the life of your deck.
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About the Author
Wendy Croix, Ph.D. is a freelance writer, cultural critic and self-confessed home improvement junkie. She's also a university professor.
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