Pleasantly cool afternoons and crisp evenings mean that there’s still plenty of time to enjoy the outdoors on your deck. It’s also a great time to get your decks prepped for the spring. Not only is the weather perfect for some outdoor home maintenance, prepping your decks in the fall will protect it from winter weather and have it ready for spring.

What you should do

Do a Safety Check

The most basic thing you can do is check your deck for popped nails, peeling membranes, loose railings, rotting boards, cracked boards, and more. If you’re uncertain about what you should be looking for, getting a professional deck inspection can rule out any issues and give you peace of mind. You’ll also get a definitive roadmap on what maintenance you need to do. Don’t let your decks go beyond repair to the point of having it become a hazard. Just take this 2012 story of a deck collapsing during a prom photo shoot as a word of caution to any homeowner. (Nobody was hurt, thankfully!)

To the right you’ll find a handy checklist, compliments of the Family Handyman. It’s a great starting point from which you can spot some common safety issues.

Clear Your Deck of Debris

Another task you can complete this season is to clear your deck’s surface of dirt, leaves and other debris that can be trapping moisture in your boards. If you don’t routinely clean your deck, then debris can be tracked and worn into the finish, ultimately affecting the condition of the wood. You’ll find stains accumulating or your finish losing its luster.

Stain & Seal

Every 3-4 years is routine for staining and sealing your deck to make sure that the wood is protected. Most wooden decks, when well-maintained, last about 10 years. But if your deck isn’t well-maintained, it can last less than that. Before staining, you should thoroughly clean your deck and the wood should be dry so that the pores can receive the stain and finish well.

Or… Get a Deck Membrane!

What’s better than having to do constant maintenance and costly upkeep? A one-and-done installation of a Deck Membrane surface! Continental’s Deck Membrane is a fantastic product offering.

You can read about our deck membrane offering here.

Deck Replacement & Repair in Northern Virginia

Whether you’re looking for better form or function, or simply feel that a new deck is in order, trust Noble Roofing, the preferred choice for all home improvement projects in Centreville VA and its surrounding cities. Give us call at (703) 404-0505 to speak with our experts. You can also request a free estimate through our online request form today.