Fool-Proof, Fall-Proof Deck Solutions

As Summer comes to a close and cooler weather sets in, it’s time to think about preparing your yard for Fall weather. Throughout this transition to the new season, make sure that includes attending to your deck, too! Here are some tips to get your deck ready for the rain and snow that are to come:

1. Remove furniture - start by moving all your deck furniture into storage. Leaving furniture out through the Winter months can cause some serious damage. Snow is heavy and it puts strain on your deck, so the added weight of heavy furniture could cause the deck to cave, ruining both your furniture and the deck itself. Deck furniture also makes it more difficult to clear that snow when the time comes. Save yourself the hassle, and remove the furniture long before the snow flies.
2. Clean it - Once the furniture is safely in storage, clean off mold, mildew, dirt, and debris that accumulated over the Summer. While a quick power wash may be easier, it’s too harsh and often damages the boards. Instead try a scrub brush and cleaning solution to gently wash away residue. Make sure the solution is safe for wood, too, because not all cleansers are suitable for wood surfaces.
3. Repair damage - Next check for damage. Whether it be a loose screw or a detached board, repairing any damages will be easier before the Winter months get a chance to take a toll on your deck structure. Especially in areas where there’s with a lot of snowfall, damaged boards are more likely to buckle and compromise the integrity of your deck. So make sure you get to those repairs this Fall.
4. Check for wood rot - Similar to damaged boards, rot will only worsen throughout the Winter. Snow will be sitting on the deck for months, so with the added moisture and weight, rot will become more severe and can even cause the deck to cave in if it gets bad enough.
5. Seal it - Finally, make sure to seal your deck. This will help reduce water absorption, and preserve the hard work you did to repair your deck. For added protection you can even drape a tarp over your deck, which will double your ability to keep water and moisture off the deck surface.

Follow these five steps and your deck will be looking as good as new come Spring! Although this may seem like a tedious process, these tips will save you the headache of expensive repairs. A product that’s perfect for your Fall deck proofing plan is BECK's SCRAIL® INVISIDECK® HIDDEN SYSTEM. Download the brochure below to learn more.