How to Prevent Dry Rot from Ruining Your Deck -Helpful Suggestions from Your Trusted Deck Builder in Montclair

Decks are a popular way to extend a home’s living space. Family and friends often gather to enjoy grilled burgers, hot dogs, shish kabobs, and drinks. Many times it is for a special occasion like a holiday or birthday. Other times, it might be just for the sake of camaraderie. Whatever the reason, being out on a wooden platform, perhaps overlooking a gorgeous valley, enhances the festive atmosphere. The only thing that could ruin a perfectly good evening is a deck collapse that causes injury. Unfortunately, this can happen as the materials deteriorate over time. Whether you built your deck yourself or hired a deck builder in Montclair, it helps to know what may go wrong over the years.

With proper maintenance and regular inspections, you can prevent many issues, including dry rot. Dry rot is a bit of a misnomer. The term refers to the fungus that can cause mildew, mold, staining, or decay in wood. Microorganisms deplete the cellulose in the timber, leaving it brittle. You might notice boards that look dark and decayed. Get help assessing the health of your beloved retreat with an inspection by a licensed specialist from Schafer Construction. For deck construction in Montclair and surrounding areas, we have experience with detection and repair work to help you enjoy the outdoors for years to come.

6 Tips from Your Deck Builder in Montclair

Time and weather will deteriorate your deck, but you can prolong that process when you use these tips:

1. Use treated wood: Untreated wood is more susceptible to the elements such as harsh UV rays, rain, and fog. Instead, pressure-treated timber has been treated with chemicals to prolong the material’s life.
2. Remove any debris between boards: Leaves and other natural debris can get stuck in the gaps between the boards. If left, it becomes a haven for fungus and bacteria, which can grow and eat away at the materials.
3. Remove standing water: Look for water pooling in one spot or craters across planks. Sweep off the water after it rains.
4. Check your gutters: Gutters’ primary role is to whisk water away from a home’s foundation. If they are full of leaves, pine needles, and other debris, then water can back up and overflow onto the deck or saturate the ground near the deck posts.
5. Make sure your yard is graded correctly: If water cannot flow away from your home, it will rest at the lowest spot, which can be your foundation or your wooden deck. Watch for water pooling in your yard.
6. Keep up with maintenance: To get the most from your investment, maintain it regularly. This includes keeping the surface clean, looking for loose boards and nails, and using proper wood preservatives. If you prefer to leave maintenance to the experts, consider Schafer’s Decks for Life program to extend your deck’s life.

Stop Dry Rot Now with Help from an Expert Deck Builder in Montclair

Your deck doesn’t have to succumb to dry rot. Enlist our team at Schafer Construction. We have built and repaired decks for over 38 years. You can rely on us to make appropriate repairs quickly and efficiently, so you can get back to enjoying your outdoor oasis.

Call us today at 510-339-9100 or contact us online to see why homeowners across the San Francisco Bay Area rely on Schafer Construction for their structural repair and construction needs. Your search for a deck builder in Montclair ends here!

Schafer Construction—Premier Deck Builder & Design-Build Remodeling Contractor in the East Bay. Serving homeowners since 1988.