How can you prepare your deck for the fall?

As you have your end of summer bash and sweep the last crumbs off of your deck, pack up school lunches, and anticipate the crinkle of leaves coating your lawn in a few weeks, it is time to get started on your fall deck maintenance! The best time of year to complete maintenance on your deck is before winter dumps inches of snow on it and you can’t get anything done. So what should you be doing as part of your fall deck maintenance?

Safety Checks

First things first, take a walk around your deck to note any problems and do some basic safety checks. Make sure that all of the rails are secure and not wobbly. They need to be able to hold up the weight of winter snow and ice without collapsing and giving you a February headache. Safety checks can include looking for structural issues or a more thorough once-over by Excel Fencing and Decking to make sure that your deck is in great shape. A professional can also check over your deck to make sure that it was properly built with bolts and nails, not just one or the other. An improperly built deck could mean repairs or replacement, so don’t skip this step!

Clean Up

The next step, once you are sure that your deck is structurally safe and sound, is to give it a thorough clean. Keep your deck clean and free from any accumulated leaves or debris. As part of your fall deck maintenance, get some mild soap and wet down the deck. Give your whole deck a good scrub with this mixture and a straw brush or broom. This helps get rid of any accumulated summer grime and resets your deck for the fall. Everything that sits on your wood deck for too long can attach to the beautiful finish and attack the wood, attract pests, or leave extra moisture on the surface that will speed up decay.

Stain or Seal

If your deck hasn’t be stained, sealed, or painted in the last 3-4 years, it might need some repairs before the moisture of fall and winter descends. Excel Fencing and Decking can stain or paint your fence in addition to all of our other fence maintenance services. All deck wood should be completely dry before beginning, otherwise the stain won’t take well and can take a long time to dry, so make sure to consult with a professional before tackling this big fall deck maintenance task on your own.

Excel Fencing and Decking Can Help With Your Fall Deck Maintenance

If you are looking for a long-lasting and beautiful deck or just want your existing deck to look brand new, Excel Fencing and Decking is happy to meet your needs. For a free estimate, use our online form. For more information, give us a call at (410) 803-9499 or visit us online. To see examples of our work and hear from some of our valued customers, visit us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.