May is Deck Safety Month - Be Sure to Inspect Your Deck!

Nearing the end of Spring, May is the time when people really start enjoying their outdoor living spaces. It’s a time when being outside is refreshing and appealing. It is also Deck Safety Month – the time to check your deck and other outdoor spaces to ensure they will be ready for the long days ahead spent enjoying time outside.

As homeowners head to your stores, be sure to recommend some things for them to check with their decks.

1. The number one failure point of a deck is at the ledger or band board. Make sure the bolts are secure, and the wood is in good condition.

2. Popped nails are another major maintenance concern for decks. Not only are they unsightly but they’re potentially dangerous. Fix all popped nails by hammering them back into place; or, replace nails with screws preventing the issue in the future.

3. Check your flashing! Flashing should extend the length of the band board with some kick out at the bottom. Inspect the wood behind flashing to make sure it is not rotting.

4. Ensure that the joist hangers are properly attached to the band board and/or beams.

5. Railing should be able to withstand 200 lbs of force or movement, so if it wiggles when you lean on it, it’s time to replace it.

6. Deck revitalization. Here are some steps to clean and re-stain a deck or outdoor project. It’s a simple process, but it can make a world of difference in the look and feel of any outdoor space.

• The first step to cleaning a deck is choosing a stripper or brightener. If the deck has been stained or painted, find a stripper to match the kind of coating the deck has. If it hasn’t been stained or painted just recommend a brightener product. Apply the cleaner or brightener with either a pressure washer or sprayer according to the manufacturer’s recommendations before cleaning the deck with a pressure washer.

• Once cleaner is soaked into the deck, pressure washing is the next step in the revitalization process. Work from one end of a board to the other, being careful not to dig into the wood too much. It’s far better to make multiple passes. Be sure to rinse all of the stripper or brightener off and allow the deck to dry before moving to the next steps.

• An important penultimate step is to prep the deck for staining. The quality of the stain or paint job is dependent on the quality of prep – clear out the spaces between boards, sand any rough patches (especially on rails and steps), and fix any popped nails or screws.

• Finally, using an airless sprayer, brushes, and pads, follow manufacturer's instructions to stain or paint the deck and allow to cure fully before enjoying your newly revitalized deck!