Protect Your Investment: Decks

If you own a deck, the arrival of summer means your deck will start seeing a lot more traffic and activity, especially since 2008 appears to be the year of the staycation. A few simple moves will protect your deck from the crush of footfalls and prevent any deck-related accidents from dampening the festivities. (The North American Deck and Railing Association has designated May as Deck Safety Month.)

Check the Structure
Look for water stains inside your home where the deck ties to the house. Ongoing water leakage can lead to wood decay, weakening the deck structure and the house. For decks that are supported by the home’s structure on one side, be sure that the ledger board is properly attached with bolts (not nails) sufficient to support the load.

If you have any doubt about the structural integrity of the deck, especially if it’s a second-story or higher structure, call in a pro to investigate. The NADRA Web site includes a national directory of certified deck builders. Better yet, most municipalities have stepped up their enforcement of proper deck-construction techniques, so check with your local building department. As my colleague, Ed Perratore, reminds in this recent post, it’s important to clean debris from under the deck as well.

Clean the Surface
Rid your deck of moss and mold. If it’s a light build-up, a hose, a stiff-bristled brush, and a household cleaner and/or mild bleach solution may do the trick. But pressure washers are more effective against heavy gunk, provided you use them safely. If you see wood damage, like raised fibers, increase the distance between the spray nozzle and the decking.

If you’re in the market for a new pressure washer and have easy access to electricity near your intended uses, get an electric model instead of a gas-fueled one. Electric models are quieter and easier to transport and store than a gas-powered model (Ratings of pressure washers are available to subscribers.)

Treat the Decking
Check the decking for popped nails and cracked or checked wood. You can bang nails back in but you’ll need to replace boards that are badly splintered or severely rotted. If the finish is worn away or peeling, these are two good signs that the surface is ready for a new protective topcoat. We test opaque, semitransparent, and clear deck treatments. Opaque treatments hold up the longest but the paintlike film of this finish can crack and peel making refinishing more of a chore. This film also hides the natural wood grain. Clear treatments reveal the grain but typically need to be reapplied annually. Semitransparent treatments are a middle-of-the-road solution. For more information on deck treatments, visit our Decks & Deck Stains page.

Secure the Railings
Start by giving banisters a good strong bump to make sure they’re securely fastened to the structure. Then check that all the dimensions are up to code. Railings must be 36 inches high and rails must be no more than 4 inches apart to keep small children and pets from slipping through.

Photo courtesy of the North American Deck and Railing Association

Inspect the Furnishings
Test all outdoor furniture for stability, ensuring that no parts have come loose. Avoid placing seats near the edge of a deck, even if the surface is just a few feet off the ground. If you have swings or hammocks, make sure that their chains are securely fastened to a structural member of the house.

Review Cooking Equipment
You’re probably going to fire up the grill many times over the coming months. Make sure your outdoor cooker is positioned a safe distance from the house or any flammable surfaces. If the deck is made of wood, the grill should be on a nonflammable pad.

If you’re shopping for a new grill, make sure the unit you choose meets all safety regulations. See our June 2008 report on gas grills.—Daniel DiClerico

Essential information: Refer to our Outdoor-Living Guide, which is filled with products and tips to help you get the most out of your deck. And try our easy-to-make grilling recipes.

Comments

[Ed Burke]

Wood decks are subject to a great deal of photochemical degradation from sunlight. What this does is breakdown the 'Lignin' in all wood releasing the cellulose wood fibres on the deck surface to erode (blow away in the wind or wash away in the rain). Do Not apply a 'Film-Forming' finish (paint, solid opaque stains, lacquer, varnish, shellac etc.) the scientists at the USDA Forest Products Laboratory warn against using film formers on a wood deck. Most semi-transparent stains last about a year before the wood erosion causes them to peel off. Clear finishes CAN help stop mildew, but the deck must be free of growing mold, and oil stains should only have 1 coat or the oil may not dry, and when wet linseed oil, tung oil, and other natural oils act as mold fertilizer. The fungicides ONLY prevent new mold, and they only work once the coating has dried completely, so do not over apply (1 coat of oil only).

Power washers often turn smooth decks into rough decks, sanding is more difficult but yields better results.

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