Decks have many purposes and are also very valuable assets. Your deck can be used for entertaining, watching the kids in your back yard, cooking out, or just relaxing and reading. Your deck also has significant monetary value.
Anyone who has purchased a home inherently understands that an “eyesore” of a deck has a substantial negative impact on a home’s resale value. Additionally, a poorly maintained deck can also have a psychological effect on potential homebuyers too…the homebuyer may wonder if the deck is poorly maintained, what else is poorly maintained?
So, outside of recommended periodic cleaning and refinishing (as required) of your deck, what can you do every Fall/Winter to keep your deck in a maintainable and useful condition, and ultimately preserve the deck’s value?
• Remove all potted plants and planters from the surface of your deck. Potted plants and planters trap water underneath of them and can lead to wood rot or premature failing of the deck’s finish.
• Keep leaves off deck throughout the Fall season. Leaves can also trap water, but the fallen leaves can also discolor the surface of your deck.
• Remove rugs (that don’t allow air through them – don’t breathe). Any rugs with rubber backing or tight fibers that trap water underneath can lead to irreversible damage to decks. Woven rugs are the best options if you insist on a deck rug.
• When snow is on decks, don’t shovel the snow with a metal shovel. Come springtime, the scratches will be evident. Also, don’t be tempted to treat snow/ice with salt as this too can lead to damage to the finish on the deck.
These are just a few tips to keep your deck looking good and useful for years to come. Follow them and start off next Spring with a deck that you’re proud of.