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Rain. Unfortunately, rain
is the leading cause of problems with wood decks. Water seeps into
weak spots and openings, including exposed edges, nail and screw
holes, splits, knots, and cracks. As a result, rotting is something
you will have to contend with unless the deck is protected by a
waterproofing sealer. Certain wood types, however, are a better
match for rot – cedar, redwood, and pressure-treated pine are more
resistant to rot, but no material is entirely rot-proof. If water
soaks into your deck after a storm instead of beading on the
surface, you should consider sealing it, a job that will need to be
done every few years.
Mold. Mold can be a big problem even with sound wood, as damp
climates or areas with heavy shade can lead to a mossy deck even
under the best circumstances. Too much dirt, a large amount of
leaves, needles, and other material left on a deck also lead to the
growth of mold and mildew. The best way to remove this type of mold
is to scrub it off with a deck cleaner or mild bleach solution. To
prevent too much buildup from ever accumulating, sweep the deck on a
regular basis and use a crevice tool to dislodge debris from between
the boards. A garden hose with a spray nozzle is a good way to rinse
away dirt particles but don't use power washes, as they can damage
wood.
Sun. Sunshine causes wood to fade, but it also dries it out. A deck
that is too dry is, ironically, more vulnerable to water retention
and rot. You can brighten a dry deck by applying a special solution
designed for the job. When the wood's natural color returns, avoid
future sun damage by spreading a penetrating deck finish with UV
inhibitors on the wood.
Temperature. Wood becomes stressed when it is exposed to temperature
changes throughout the year. Freezing and thawing during the winter
and high temperatures in the summer make boards expand, contract,
and shift. Popped-up nails are a sign your deck is under stress. You
can replace loose nails with longer nails or deck screws to avoid
this problem, and use corrosion-resistant fasteners for deck boards. |
