Autumn is a wonderful time of year. The tourists have gone home, the scorching days of summer are behind us and we look forward to state fairs and Halloween parties. But there is one thing you may overlook — fall deck maintenance. Now is the perfect time to work with a reputable deck builder in Woodbridge VA to get your projects done and make your deck ready to withstand the winter cold.
A bit of preventative maintenance now will ensure your deck weathers the winter with ease. Here are three important steps you should take to protect your deck before it’s covered with ice and snow.
1. Give Your Deck A Good Scrubbing
Dirt and leaves are the enemies of a happy deck. You should thoroughly clean your deck near the end of the fall season, before the weather changes and more rain and snow moves in. A good scrubbing will prevent moss, mold, and mildew from growing on the wood during winter.
A highly recommended method of cleaning is to use a power washer to quickly remove dirt and grime, but this can be tricky. If you’re not careful, you can strip sealant and damage wood. Hiring a professional deck contractor will ensure you get the job done right.
Concrete deck owners beware! Just because your deck seems tough as nails, don’t be fooled. Power washers can harm concrete as well as wood. It’s always a good idea to consult a knowledgeable deck builder in Woodbridge VA
before tackling the job.
2. Check Wood Decks For Rot And Decay
It’s a fact: wood decks with age with time, regardless of how well they are sealed. Cleaning your wood deck’s exposed surfaces thoroughly and checking for signs of wood rot and decay will keep your deck beautiful for years.
Look over the surface for visual indication of water damage such as peeling stain or sealant. Stress test the deck boards by walking the length of your deck and noting any areas that feel soft or spongy. Lastly, have a look underneath your deck with a flashlight to inspect its joists for mildew, mold, or wood rot.
If you discover any spongy areas on the deck floor or damage to the joists below, these may indicate the need for more extensive repairs, but don’t be discouraged. An experienced deck builder in Woodbridge VA like MidAtlantic Contracting can help you get the job done. Tackling small repairs before they become larger problems is always less expensive. So don’t wait! Contact a trusted deck contractor and fix issues before your deck goes through the harsh winter.
3. Keep Your Deck Waterproof Protected
Sealing your deck to prevent water damage is not a one-and-done deal. To keep your deck waterproof, you should reapply sealant or stain every year. If that doesn’t sound like fun, we’re not surprised. Scraping, sanding, staining, and sealing are back-breaking jobs, but crucial to the longevity of your deck. They protect the wood from water damage over the long term. If you can’t reseal your deck in its entirety, it’s important to fix patches of peeling or flaking stain or sealant before winter and plan to redo the sealant or stain completely when spring arrives.
We’re Always Ready To Help
MidAtlantic Contracting has a trusted reputation as a deck builder in Woodbridge VA. Over 40 years we’ve earned a reputation for integrity and quality. We pride ourselves on professional staff and our work ethic. Check us out on the web today at MAContracting.com, or give us a call at 703-492-4663. We can help you assess your deck and give you a plan of action to keep it in great shape through the winter, so it will be ready for you to enjoy next spring!