Spring Cleaning Deck Maintenance Checklist

Spring is just around the corner or maybe when you are reading this it's already here. Spring cleaning your deck is a must, especially in the colder states. Upkeep and maintenance are whats going to keep your wood deck lasting for years. There are several things you should check before you enjoy your deck during the summer months and we will walk you through each and every one below.

Look for Rot

Wood decks can rot and when it does it will affect the safety and strength of your deck. Search in areas of your deck that are exposed to moisture and water regularly, and make sure to check the hidden and hard to get areas. That will be where the rot forms most often. Unfortunately, if you do find deck rot. You can fix it by removing the rot from the deck board or beam and filling the area with a wood patch or polyester filler.

Trim Trees and Bushes

Once you inspect and fix any deck rot you find, it's now time to trim those trees and bushes. You want to trim bushes and plants in contact with your deck because they hold in water and moisture which can affect the lifespan of your deck and cause deck rot. As for the trees, you should cut any branches that overhang your deck. This helps keep your deck clean of debris and prevents future damage from fallen branches.

Inspect Deck Screws

Every spring you should check all deck screws, nails, and fasteners. You are looking for loose screws to tighten and any rusting nails or fasteners. Replace the rusting components to strengthen your deck and also to protect the surrounding wood.

Check Your Stairs and Railings

During the winter months, it is common for railings to loosen or become damaged by the weather. Replace any damaged railings right away and secure any loose sections. As for the stairs, check structural integrity. Make sure all the steps are sturdy and the stair railing is still in good shape. Replace or strengthen any part necessary

Clean and Seal the Deck

Now it's time to complete the actual deck spring cleaning. First sweep off any leaves or sticks lying around from the fall or winter. After cleaning off the debris wash the deck using your deck cleaner of choice. If you decide to use a pressure washer as well, we recommend not going over 1,500 PSI and spraying at an angle to prevent damage. After cleaning the deck, wait 2 days, then lightly sand the deck boards and apply a deck sealer.

Do the Lights Work?

Lastly, check your deck lighting to ensure it still works, change any bulbs or led lights that have burnt out. Also, replace the batteries as needed. If your lights seem dim, wipe off any residue left on the light covers from the winter.