Many people in Canton, Georgia have beautiful wood decks. They are a wonderful compliment to the foliage in the area and can add value to a home. In order to stay safe, sturdy and attractive, wood decks need a little TLC. Here are a few things to keep in mind when caring for your deck.
- Set planters and flower pots on a brick or stand to avoid trapping moisture against the wood. This can lead to rot.
- Sweep periodically to remove build-up of pine needles common to North Georgia, dirt, leaves and even snow. Make a point to do this regularly, even if you aren’t actively using the deck.
- Put something under your grill to catch grease. Not only can grease stain the wood, it can lead to mold and rot. Plus, it can attract animals to your deck.
- At least once a year check all the boards and railings. Tighten loose spots and replace rotted boards ASAP.
- Fix nail pops, both for safety and to prevent rot. Simple remove the nails that have popped up and replace them with long screws.
Perhaps the most important thing you can do to care for your deck is to have it professionally cleaned and sealed every two to three years. If you prefer to do the work yourself, then re-seal the deck every year.
Sealing protects the wood of your deck from expanding and shrinking from the weather and warping over time. It also protects against mildew. Even if your deck is made from pressure treated wood, it can still be impacted from heat and moisture, so make sure it is sealed.
For the most part, taking care of your deck does not take a lot of time, but is definitely worth every minute.