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When Do I Need to Repaint the Exterior of My Home?
Atlanta, GA • 678-386-7899
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The winter months can take a toll on your wood decks and patios. Damaged boards, loose screws, and popped nails can also contribute to deck related injuries.
Check out our recent article, "When Do I Need to Repaint the Exterior of My Home?"
It provides a quick checklist for homeowners to spot early warning signs of potential problems that can lead to costly repairs.
Wood Deck & Patio Maintenance Checklist
1. Check for Damaged Boards -
First carefully examine the surface boards on your deck and steps. These boards can wear out or rot due to excessive moisture and extreme temperature changes. Check for signs of stress like excessive cracking, rotting, curling or severed boards. These boards will need to be replaced, stained/painted and resealed.
2. Check for Loose Screws/Bolts & Popped Nails
Next inspect your deck surfaces for any loose screws, bolts and nails. Popped nails are a common problem on deck surfaces; simply use a hammer to put them back in place. For loose screws use a screwdriver or drill to retighten them. To tighten bolts, use one or two wrenches to properly tighten them.
3. Check for Insect or Animal
Damage on Structural Supports
Left unchecked they can ultimately destroy a deck! With a high beam flashlight, carefully inspect the structural supports and beams underneath your deck. Look for any signs of chewed or brittle wood, cobwebs etc. Simply call your pest control service to correct the problem. If unwanted critters are residing under your deck; consider adding a barrier around the exposed areas of your deck to keep them out permanently.
4. Clean Your Deck
We recommend pressure washing your deck every year to remove built-up dirt, grime, mildew, or mold. (Even if you can't see it - it is there!) Not only will it restore the beauty of your deck but pressure washing will eliminate slippery surface hazards. Over time, built-up mold and mildew can actually damage your deck!
Since we live in a very humid climate; moisture will destroy a wood deck in a very short time. The best defense to protect your investment is to simply re-seal or re-stain it each year.
5. Re-seal or Re-stain Your
Deck Every Year! -
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