Common Deck Problems and Ways to Fix Them

No matter how good your deck looks right now, it will deteriorate over time. The deck is that part of your house where you can enjoy the pleasant weather outside. But it’s mainly because of that, it becomes susceptible to all the elements.

It pays to know about the most common deck problems so you can solve them at their onset. You can keep your deck looking great through professional?deck repair?services done by an expert deck contractor. That’s how you maximize the lifespan of your deck and enjoy looking at the great outdoors for as long as you want. The most common deck issues are:? 

Rotting?? 

When it comes to wood, rotting is almost inevitable. This is actually one of the worse problems that you can have with your deck. When the wood rots, it will literally fall apart. This is what will happen if your deck is unprotected.? 

Rot is unsightly and can undermine the deck’s integrity. Sealed decks may still become rotted so it’s important to keep checking your deck for the signs. Rotting happens if the deck is constantly exposed to water. It occurs if you have gutter issues or if water is funneling into the deck for some reason.?? 

Water damage? 

Water damage is very common among decks, as they are installed outside where it may get rained on anytime. It’s important that wood decks are properly sealed or they will rot. It’s necessary to apply another layer of sealant after a few years to reinforce the deck’s protection. Otherwise, your deck will be damaged by water. Sealants tend to wear off after some time.?? 

As a rule of thumb, the water on your deck should just bead and not seep into the wood. Test it sprinkling some water on any part of the deck. If the water seeps through, then it’s time to apply a new seal. But before you do so, you need to repair any damaged part of the deck, like rotting wood.?? 

Fading?? 

Aside from the seal, the wood will lose its shade or color after some time. The wood will slowly turn into gray as time goes by and when debris and damage start to accumulate. This is more of an aesthetic than a functional problem, but it needs your attention just the same. The problem is easily?remedied by the use of wood cleaners. These compounds will restore the deck’s original color as it removes all the grime and dirt that cause the discoloration.?? 

There’s also a compound called wood brightener, which you may use as well.? However, don’t apply any of these chemicals unless the deck is fully sealed. That’s the best way to preserve the look and functionality of your deck.?? 

If you need to get your deck repaired, it’s important that you call the professionals. They will do everything necessary to restore the deck in its best condition. They can inspect, reseal, and?repair?the deck as needed. Look for professionals who can provide the best services at the best rate.??? 

 

How to Properly Do Deck Staining

It’s important for homeowners to have the perfect-looking decks. This is why a?deck staining?project is something that has to be treated seriously. When it comes to staining decks, it’s important that the end result looks great and that look will last long.?To make sure that your deck is stained wonderfully, all the necessary steps have to be taken. If you can’t be sure that you can do the job properly yourself, then it’s highly recommended that you call a professional instead. The essential steps include:? 

Prepare? 

Take your time when taking a?deck staining job. Prepare by planning your moves. Find all the tools and materials that you need. You should also allow ample time for cleaning and putting away the things you have used. You should also know that new lumber should dry out completely before you stain. It’s also important to start the right weather in the right weather.?? 

Apply brighteners?? 

Applying brighteners is an essential step in making your deck look good. But sadly, this step is skipped more than the others. By applying wood brighteners, you’ll see some dramatic effects on the wood. These compounds are easily applied, and they can make old wood look new again.?? 

Rinse?? 

If your deck needs to be cleaned, you have to rinse it very well. Use as much water as needed to rinse your deck, especially if you have used some cleaning chemicals on it. Some of the chemicals used on wood may seem harmless and safe but they can cause an adverse reaction to the wood when left there for some time.?? 

Use the best tools and materials?? 

Nothing beats a deck that is installed and stained using the best materials available. Look for the best brand of stain available in the market. Use premium products for premium results. This step is necessary if you want the wood stain to last.?? 

Always follow the directions? 

No two stains are the same so take time in reading the label before you apply the stain. With the right information, you’ll always get the best results. The things you should pay attention to are the number of coats you need to apply and how long you have to wait between you apply them. The same goes true for cleaning time and wood weathering.?? 

Don’t overdo it.?? 

Apply more stain doesn’t mean you’ll get better results. As a matter of fact, decks should be stained using one with a semi-transparent shade. These products let the natural wood grains show through. They also allow the wood to breathe naturally, as well as make them easy to clean. But if too much stain is applied, a film-like covering may form. That will keep the wood from breathing properly. So be sure that you apply the amount of stain that the wood can absorb.? 

To further help you with deck staining, you can hire a deck contractor who is an expert on the job. Hire them and you’ll get that perfect-looking deck in no time at all.???