Most Common Deck Repairs to Look Out for This Summer
It doesn’t get much better than spending summer days out on your deck, porch, or patio. If you want to continue enjoying your deck for the long haul, however, you have to keep an eye out for damage. Every season poses unique threats to your deck, and summer is no exception. During summer, your deck must withstand harsh sunlight, high humidity, rainfall, and various pests. Without proper preparation and maintenance, your deck might become more of a liability than a summer oasis. With that in mind, here are some of the most common deck repairs to keep an eye out for this summer.
The Most Common Deck Damages
Mold, Mildew, and/or Algae
Many types of fungi thrive in the warmer weather. Mold, mildew, and algae simply need some moisture, pleasant temperatures, and a porous surface to start spreading out. During summer, then, your wooden deck can quickly become a haven for these unwanted visitors. If you allow mold, mildew, or algae to linger too long, they can begin to eat away at your surfaces and cause respiratory issues for those nearby. Once you notice green, yellow, or dark spots creeping up your deck, remove them immediately with a light degreaser/detergent and water. Power washing offers the most efficient method for removing fungus from your deck, but you can also scrub it manually.
Holes from Pests
We aren’t the only ones who enjoy getting outside during summer; this time of year sees countless insects emerge as well. While many pests don’t pose much of a threat to you or your deck, those that consume and/or nest in wooden surfaces can become a major problem. These wood-boring insects such as carpenter bees, carpenter ants, and powderpost beetles may aggressively burrow in your deck if its surfaces are porous and unprotected. If enough of these pests dig in, your deck will lose its structural integrity, putting it at risk of collapse. Make sure your deck is properly sealed to prevent these bugs from burrowing, and take measures to keep insects away from your deck in general.
Wood Rot
Wooden decks are also at risk of rotting before, during, and after summertime. Much like mold, mildew, and algae, rot can form in damp, warm conditions. When rot occurs, the affected wood becomes soft and weak, creating a serious safety hazard. If the rot is limited to a small portion of your deck, you can easily remove it and repair the damaged area. However, when rot becomes widespread, you may need to invest in major repairs and replacement projects to restore your deck. Keeping your deck stained, sealed, and clean will help prevent rot from forming.
Warping and Cracking
The glaring sun, scorching temperatures, and occasional storm that shows up during summer can also alter the shape and structure of your deck. Wood is susceptible to warping and cracking when exposed to water and/or extreme temperatures. If fracturing is your only problem, you can easily fix cracks with the right wood filler. As for warped boards, these often have to be replaced. Applying UV-resistant and waterproof coatings to your deck will help prevent warping and cracking from occurring in the first place.
Peeling, Fading Deck Stain
Harsh sunlight can also cause your deck stain to fade and peel away from the surface. Once again, applying UV-resistant coatings will reduce the sun’s negative effects on your deck. Experts also recommend re-staining your deck every 2-3 years to retain a durable protective layer. In some cases, you’ll want to remove the previous coat of stain before applying a new one; other times, new deck staining can occur on top of previous coatings. If you’re not sure how to go about staining your deck, hire professionals to tackle this project for you.
Your deck can provide you with a sensational summer so long as you know what issues to look for and how to prevent and/or repair them. The experts at Anderson Painting are here to help you prepare your deck for the summer months and beyond. To learn more about us and all we do, call today at 919-610-1855 or email us at info@andersonpaintingnc.com!
