A regular cleaning and inspection will help prevent problems with mold, mildew and rot. Pressure wash and scrub the surface, using a deck brush or scrubbing pad.

During the inspection, wiggle railings and stairs to check for looseness and look for nails that are sticking out or appear rusted. Fill holes with exterior wood filler.

Cleaning may seem like a mundane part of deck maintenance, but it’s one of the most important. A good cleaning twice a year keeps your deck looking great and preventing damage from moisture. Sweeping regularly removes the leaves and other debris that tend to accumulate on decks, trapping moisture and encouraging mold growth and rot.

During a deck cleaning, it’s best to move all furniture and other items off of the deck so that you can work more easily. You should also take care not to spill any cleaner or stain on plants and other items you want to keep. Covering nearby plants with plastic sheeting can help protect them from accidental spatters.

Start by choosing a cleaner that’s appropriate for your deck’s material and the types of stains it needs to address. For example, bleach will effectively remove mildew but might be too harsh for some woods. If you’re unsure about the best product to use, consult an expert at your local hardware store.

After using a deck cleaner, rinse each section of the deck with a garden hose to ensure that all of the cleaning solution is removed. Rinsing promptly prevents the cleaning solution from drying on the wood and leaving a film or streaks.

In addition to removing dirt and stains, the cleaning process is an excellent opportunity to inspect your deck for signs of damage. Look for soft or splintered boards that could indicate insect infestation or rot. Check that all nails and screws are tightened, and make sure that any loose ones are replaced. Also inspect stairs railings and handrails for any rust or corrosion, which should be addressed immediately.

After a thorough cleaning and inspection, it’s time to apply your deck stain or sealant. Choose a product appropriate for your deck’s color and material, and follow the instructions to apply it. When it’s dry, you can re-attach furniture and return plants and other items to the deck. It’s a good idea to let a new deck weather for 60-90 days before staining it. This period of time gives the wood a chance to adjust to its outdoor environment and can make the difference between a successful and unsuccessful stain job.

Inspecting

Decks are the foundation for family life, from birthday parties and cookouts to quiet nights watching the stars. It’s important to ensure that the structure of your deck is safe and up to code by performing regular inspections and maintenance.

An annual deck inspection is important for identifying problems before they escalate and can become costly repairs. It can be easy to overlook problems such as loose boards, rotting boards, and rusted hardware, but these issues need to be addressed promptly to prevent safety hazards.

Most of the damage to a deck can be identified with a simple walk-through, but it is also helpful to have an additional tool such as a ladder or a pair of binoculars for more thorough inspections. It is important to check for any areas that are soft, splintered, or warped, as well as areas that have a lot of mildew or mold. It is also a good idea to look for signs of insect activity and damage to the railing, stairs, and ledger board.

The first thing that should be done during an inspection is to examine the deck’s footings. The concrete that supports the footings is a vital part of the deck’s foundation and should be in good condition. If the concrete is beginning to crack, it is a sign that the footings were not large enough in the first place and should be replaced.

Another item that should be inspected is the deck’s framing brackets, which are usually made from either T or L brackets and are used to hold the deck together. Make sure that all of the framing brackets have the correct nail size and that the end plates (metal connectors at the ends of joists) are intact, as missing or cracked end plates can indicate a problem with moisture penetration.

The last area of the deck to be inspected is the ledger, which is the piece of framing that attaches the deck to the house. The ledger is the primary cause of deck collapses, so it is important to inspect it for rot and to ensure that all fasteners are secure. A good way to test the security of a fastener is to strike it with a hammer. If the fastener is loose, it will sound hollow with a vibrating noise.

Sealing

A high-quality wood sealer is one of the best investments you can make for your deck. The right product will protect the surface and keep it looking new for years to come. When sealing your deck, follow the directions on the package and use a roller or paint brush to apply an even coat of sealant. If possible, work in the shade, as direct sunlight can cause the sealant to dry too quickly. If you are working on a very large deck, plan to do sections at a time; it’s easier to manage the drying process in smaller areas.

Before applying the sealant, it’s a good idea to use a broom or power-washer to remove any loose dirt and debris from the decking. Once the deck is clean and dry, it’s ready to be sealed. You should avoid walking on the deck for 2 days afterward to allow the sealant to fully cure. You can mark the patio doors and stairs with yellow caution tape to remind family members to stay off the deck during this time.

Once the sealant has dried, you’re ready to start using your deck again. When resealing your deck, remember to seal the small gaps between boards, as well as any other areas that water might seep into. Be sure to choose a clear sealant rather than a tinted one, as the latter will fade faster.

The final step is to inspect your deck for any damage or rot that may have occurred during the previous year. A rotting board is an obvious problem, but it’s also important to check for hardware that has become loose. Missing screws or nails can let moisture in, causing further damage. Inspecting your deck regularly will help you catch problems before they become a major issue, saving you money and time.

If you live in a rainy area, it’s especially important to stain or seal your deck every year. Rain, snow, and ice can do serious damage to unprotected wood. A good deck stain or sealant will prevent this moisture from getting into the wood, reducing the likelihood of rot and other potential damage.

Repairing

Performing routine maintenance on your deck and catching problems promptly will help extend the life of its structure. Structural damage such as splinters, warped boards, and rot must be repaired before they worsen. It is also a good idea to reseal your deck annually to prevent moisture damage and wood deterioration.

Surface damage such as fading, cracks and chips can be fixed by sanding or scraping the board down to bare wood and staining or painting it to restore its color and appearance. Make sure to use a power tool with a soft-grip handle and wear protective gear like gloves, eye protection and knee pads to minimize fatigue and injury.

Before you begin the actual repair process, remove furniture, planters, rugs, grills and anything else that is on or near your deck to sweep it clean. Look for areas where dirt accumulates and check the wood for moisture and decay by poking it with a screwdriver. Any area where the tip sinks in easily indicates rot, especially if it is located where the deck meets the house or if the wood is at ground level. Also inspect the joists and beams, especially where they come into contact with the soil. If the joists or beams show severe decay, it is time for a major overhaul.

Wood rot and termites are common issues that can be caused by excessive moisture, improper drainage, poor construction, and lack of preventive treatments. Moisture damage weakens the wood, causing it to swell and warp. Proper drainage and regular inspections will reduce water damage to your deck.

Loose nails, screws and fasteners are another problem that can cause structural damage to your deck. Constant use and weather changes can loosen fasteners. Regular inspections, proper fastener selection and installation and tightening them will prolong the life of your deck and protect its structural integrity.

While it is possible to do basic cleaning and surface repairs on your own, it is best to call a professional for structural or stability issues. A professional will have the specialized tools, knowledge and experience to get the job done safely and properly.