Making sure your deck needs maintenance or not is crucial! There is no doubt that a deck, even a simple one, is something that enhances your home’s overall look. It is literally the highlight of the house. Usually, people will have it as a key factor when looking for a new home, especially houses with decks on the front. Besides adding to the value of your house, a well-kept deck lets you enjoy the outdoors more with your family and loved ones like BBQ or birthday parties. It will be a meaningful space for a very long time and no one can deny that it really adds more meaning to your house.
But don’t be blinded by the beauty of it because there is always a catch! You need to inspect the deck of the property that you want to purchase thoroughly, especially if it has been in place for more than 15 years. A property’s deck usually lasts until 15 – 20 years before a replacement is needed.
Weather Can Shorten Your Deck's Lifespan
The local weather plays a crucial role in determining the lifespan of a deck. While the quality of materials and construction are important factors, the weather conditions in the area where the deck is located can have a significant impact on its durability. If the area is always scorching hot throughout the year, the long exposure to strong sunshine and high temperatures can dry up wood, which can result in:
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- Finish fading
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- Splitting of the wood
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- Cracking on the wood
These problems not only affect the aesthetic appeal of the deck but also compromise its structural integrity.
The same goes for areas with constant rain like the weather in Bega Valley Shire Council. Over time, the wood will deteriorate due to constant exposure to moisture, causing the property’s owner to require expensive repairs or early replacement. Here are other effects of continuous moisture from the rain:
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- Warping, swelling, and rotting are common issues that can arise from prolonged exposure to moisture.
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- Excessive moisture can create favourable conditions for the growth of fungi, mould, and mildew.
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- These growths not only affect the visual appearance of the deck but also compromise the structural integrity of the wood.
All these damages can cause serious harm to your safety if there is no action taken. That is why deck maintenance is important.
Injuries Caused By A Rotten Deck Are Very Common!
One of our previous clients actually came to us with a similar problem and we knew exactly what to do for the deck maintenance. Unfortunately, the decking boards on their Oregon deck had rotted away and had become a safety hazard to the family. As surprising as it sounds, we come across this problem quite often than what people might think. The situation however has caused one of the family members to fall through the deck while doing something as simple as waiting for their laundry to finish.
The decision to change the rafters, joists, and decking planks on the deck was a necessary one after a thorough inspection by our professional team. The bearers, made of hardwood, were fortunately in good condition and did not need to be replaced by us. The team opted to use 136mm x 22mm spotted gum decking boards for the new decking planks, ensuring a durable and visually appealing finish. The face beams and joists were replaced with 190mmx45mm H3 treated pine and 140mmx45mm H3 treated pine, respectively, to provide structural support for the deck.
Before
After
Overall, the project progressed very quickly and smoothly. We are glad to share that the clients were pleased with the results of the much-needed renovation. Not only does the deck now look refreshed and well-maintained, but the use of quality materials means that it is expected to last for several more years. This successful renovation not only enhances the aesthetics of the property but also adds value and functionality with a sturdy and long-lasting outdoor space for the homeowners to enjoy.
When Does Your Deck Require Maintenance?
Some might wonder how to know when the deck maintenance is required for yours. Your deck will, however, start to give you warning indications when it needs maintenance or repairs, just like anything else that needs care and attention. Because of this, it’s critical to maintain your decking to make sure you can prevent any possibly more significant, expensive, or time-consuming issues that will give you more burden in the future. You will be more equipped to address and resolve these issues if you can identify these warning indicators on your property’s deck. Let us share the early signs that you can see if your deck need some serious S.O.S:
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- Discolouration and Fading of the wood
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- Cracks or Splintering
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- Loose or Missing Fasteners
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- Rot or Water Damage
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- Unstable or Rickety Railings
Some of these might seem like a small matter but trust us, you should handle maintenance concerns before they worsen by looking for these early indicators of deck trouble. With that, you can enjoy its functionality for many years to come if you take all these preventative maintenance measures.
Tips For Deck Maintenance To Extend Its Lifespan
Here are some tips that you can practice to maintain your deck’s quality:
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- To get rid of dirt, trash, and mildew growth, clean your deck frequently (twice a week is good enough).
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- Check the decking material and the structure for wear or damage yearly.
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- Every few years, give the wood a fresh coat of stain or sealer (whichever suits the deck) to improve and provide protection.
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- Cut back on the vegetation near the deck to avoid moisture accumulation and lower the chance of decay.
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- Steer clear of abrasive cleansers and aggressive chemicals as they may harm the decking material.
Maintaining the quality of your deck can be a time-consuming and exhausting task, especially when you have other responsibilities like work or family. However, there is no need to worry because Big Bass Building Solution is here to help. With our extensive experience in the construction industry, we can take care of all your deck maintenance needs, ensuring that you are satisfied with the results.
While we may provide you with tips on how to maintain your deck yourself, we do understand that not everyone has the time or energy to do so. By entrusting this task to professionals like Big Bass Building Solution, you can save time and effort while still enjoying a very high-quality deck that is the highlight of your house. So why stress about deck maintenance when you can rely on experts to do the job for you?