After an eventful summer, your deck will need some care during the Autumn season. As environmental changes and drop-in temperatures approach, you will want your deck to withstand autumn conditions. Rain, wind, debris, and cold air can all be a problem for your deck. It is important to maintain and care for your deck whether you plan or do not plan on using your outdoor space during the season ahead. You can also help maintain and protect your stainless steel cable railing system with our convenient Rail Care Kit!
Inspection of your Deck
It is always a good idea to inspect your deck first to find any damages that may have occurred during the summer. This can include wind damage, water damage, or damage from animals. You will also want to make sure you do not find any mold/mildew growth, rot, loose fasteners, warped boards, cracks, and holes. Ideally, you should check your deck again towards the end of the Autumn season to make sure these issues did not arise. It is always essential to spot and resolve these problems asap to prevent them from growing into deeper issues. It is also necessary to check for termite damage, you will be able to notice this because of piles of wooden pellets. This also needs to be taken care of asap as we all know the extensive damage termites can cause.
Keeping your Deck Clean and Problem Free
No matter the season, proper cleaning and maintenance is aways a necessary step. As the leaves start falling, it is a must to remove fallen leaves from your deck. This is especially crucial if your deck is made of wood. While a few leaves here and there will not do any damage, an accumulation of leaves can become problematic. If leaves are left in the same spot over a period of time, they will start to rot. This can lead to mold growth which will affect the strength of your deck for years to come. Ideally, you should consistently sweep leaves off its surfaces to prevent large buildups and any damage that could hurt your deck in the long run and cost you money down the road.
Washing your deck is also an important task before the harsher weather approaches. A proper wash will also help make your spring cleaning a lot easier and extend the appearance of your deck longer. You can always check with your deck manufacturer for the proper cleaning recommendations for your type of deck. If you decide that your deck could use a power wash this autumn. You should make sure you employ the proper tools and techniques or hire professionals, otherwise you risk damaging its surfaces.
Protection of your Deck During the Autumn Season
Even with proper cleaning and sweeping of your deck, it will remain vulnerable to the elements unless properly sealed with sealer or stain. Most sealers and stains last about 2-3 years, so it is important to check when you last applied. If your current stain is peeling away and no longer providing the necessary levels of protection for your deck, late summer/early fall is a great time to tackle this project. It is ideal to have a well-sealed deck to prevent moisture damage and to endure harsh conditions during the fall/winter season. Another consideration for your deck is using a water-repellent finish that can preserve your deck’s lifespan. The Autumn season is a great time to do this as we head into the harsher and wetter months. This will help your deck avoid cracking, warping, and splitting, which are common side effects of moisture. Apply a simple protective coat and your deck will be ready for the seasons ahead! It is also important to note that today’s formulas can fully protect your deck without damaging the wood color.
Proper deck maintenance is important all year round. Even if you do not use your deck as often as other months, it deserves your ongoing attention. Always ask a professional if you have any questions or concerns. Your deck is one of the most susceptible to environmental damage, so make sure your deck is properly maintained and protected to expand its lifespan!
Atlantis Rail Systems: The Leader in Cable Railing Systems
To learn more about beautiful and practical cable railing systems for your deck, stairs, and balconies, browse the Atlantis Rail Systems website. This Plymouth, MA-based company offers many unique, easy-to-install configurations complete with all necessary hardware to ensure a safe and code-compliant railing system.
For more information on planning cable railings for decks, contact the railing experts at Atlantis Rail Systems at 1-800-541-6829 or by completing the Contact Us Form.
Sources:
https://www.andersonpaintingnc.com/blog/top-5-tips-for-fall-decking-maintenance
https://www.decks-docks.com/deck-protection-101-how-to-prepare-your-deck-for-fall-weather