A wooden deck is a wonderful addition to any home. It provides you with a perfect spot to spend summer afternoons with friends or family. However, making a decision to get a wooden deck also means you are committed to following preventive measures and doing maintenance work to ensure that your deck looks beautiful for a really long time. BSR, your go-to company for exterior services, has some tips that you can follow to keep your new deck looking good for many years.
A Simple Stain Goes a Long Way
Your deck will be exposed to some harsh weather elements, that’s for sure. You want to give it the protection it needs to withstand them all and to extend its lifespan. One of the best ways to protect a wood deck is by staining it. There are stains that are specifically for deck use.
Seal to Avoid Swelling
It does not matter whether pressure treated wood is used for your deck or not. You have to get it sealed. Doing so will keep moisture out and help prevent wood swelling. It will also serve as additional protection from the sun. Constant exposure to sunlight can cause the wood to dry and even shrink. Without sufficient protection, wood can eventually warp, turn a gray shade or crack.
Repair Right Away
You should call a professional as soon as you notice any signs of damage. Whether you have loose boards, missing railings or rotten planks, it is best that you contact your trusted pro to keep the problem from escalating.
Sweep and Shovel
Make sure that you include your deck in your regular cleaning routine. Sweep it to get rid of leaves and dirt. Also, don’t let snow sit on your deck for too long. Shovel snow as soon as possible to avoid damages.
Maintenance Matters
Even if you do a good job of keeping your deck clean, it is still wise to get professional maintenance done annually or at least once every two years to make sure that there are no problems that may not be visible to you.
A new wooden deck may just become your family’s favorite part of the house, so go ahead, and have one installed! If you have any questions about decks or other exterior home improvement projects, just give BSR a call at (607) 229-1280. Ask us for a FREE estimate today! We serve Ithaca, NY, and the surrounding communities.