Your wood deck is an essential place in your home. It’s a place to relax, soak up the sun, grill burgers, and spend family time outdoors. It can also be a good selling point if you are trying to sell your house. However, none of this can be possible if your deck is rotting, so deck maintenance is crucial.
There are several types of deck damage that owners need to be aware of.
Mold And Mildew
Mold and mildew grow in damp areas. They are usually identified with white, black, or bluish-green spots. This spoils the appearance of your deck and degrades the wood. It can create a dangerously slippery patch on your deck surface. And it can cause multiple diseases in people who are sensitive or allergic to mold.
Putrefaction
The most spartan threat to your deck wood is rot. If the wood is poorly sealed and has withstood a considerable amount of rain or moisture, the wood can soften. Check to see if your wood seems too soft or pliable. Do the boards bend too easily? If there is water damage, the restoration can be an extensive process.
Lost Hardware
The deck boards and support boards are fastened together with nails and screws. If, for any reason, one gets lost, the panels can drift out of their proper place; this can cause a hazard if too many screws or nails are missing. Fortunately, these problems are relatively easy to diagnose and fix.
Split Or Tensioned Boards
The deck boards are supported by support boards that run perpendicular to them. These boards support a lot of weight and can degrade when small cracks expand. This leads to their separation, causing a dangerous situation. This can also be true for the stringer board, which the wood deck builder uses to attach the side of the deck to the side of your house. If you have damage to your patio, hiring a professional to help you repair splintered wood deck boards is essential.
Pests
Another threat to wood decks is pests. This can include carpenter ants, carpenter bees, dust beetles, mice, and rats. However, the biggest threat is termites, the most efficient and voracious wood destroyer. Many are attracted to bacteria that grow in crevices, so keeping wood clean is good.
Rub It Clean
It is advisable to scrub your deck at least four times a year to help reduce the growth of mold and mildew. You can also get rid of wood stains. Professional quality scrubber dryers can be found for sale or rent.