With COVID-19 restrictions becoming more relaxed, many of us are bound to have friends and family coming over. Where better to entertain them than at your nice outdoor deck? In today’s post, local decking and roof replacement company Masters Roofing shares a quick guide on sprucing up your deck for the summer season.
Inspect
The first thing that you need to do is make sure the deck is in good condition. The following are some of the things you need to keep an eye out for:
- Warping. Decks made of natural wood are at a higher risk of warping caused by changes in temperature and humidity unless it’s regularly maintained. Inspect the deck surface and check for warping. Depending on the material, warped areas may need to be planned or replaced.
- Waterproofing. To spot-check if a part of the deck needs waterproofing, spray some water on the surface. If the water forms beads, then the waterproofing is good. If the water soaks into the material, then you have to reapply to waterproof it.
- Dry rot. Dry rot is caused by fungi that consumes wood fiber while spreading hair-like roots, which causes the wood to dry out and crumble. To check for dry rot, firmly tap the boards with a large screwdriver or a similar tool. If pieces fall out, you need to have your deck repaired by a deck and roofing installation contractor.
Clean
While you’re having your deck fixed, make good use of the time and clean the areas around it. During the off-season, your deck may have accumulated leaves, dirt, and maybe even a few stray toys and pieces of trash. You may use a pressure washer to clean the paving around the deck, but not on the deck itself – a pressure washer could strip the layer of waterproofing on the boards. Mild cleaning products like dish soap and water are best.
Spruce It Up
Once you have the deck and its surroundings fixed and cleaned, it’s time to add deck furniture and accessories. If you’re looking into hosting backyard parties, then you must have plenty of seating, as well as a service table. A barbecue pit is also a must. While there’s nothing wrong with rolling out a portable grill, you’re bound to impress your guests with a durable one made of stone or brick, complete with an outdoor kitchen.
Masters Roofing is a trusted decking and roofing contractor serving customers in Memphis, TN, and the surrounding communities. Give us a call at (901) 871-7663 or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.