March brings in pre-grilling season. Yes, spring is here, and it is time to get your deck ready for the warmer weather heading our way. The winter months can be a bit harsh on the boards and railings of your outdoor haven. If it was a particularly wet winter, the possibility of mold growth increases. As summer approaches fast, the sun’s rays will intensify and dry out the decking. Looking over your existing setup, consider if this may be the year that you bring in a professional deck builder to create a new oasis at your Berkeley home.
Tips for Getting Your Deck Ready for Spring
Many homeowners think forward to parties and grilling burgers on their decks as the temperatures warm up. Before you do that, remember that getting the most out of your wooden deck requires regular maintenance. Here are three areas you should carefully look into before you grab the grilling tongs and hot dogs:
- Complete a Thorough Inspection: Knowing that your loved ones will be walking on the deck boards, you will want to make sure things are safe. Start with a visual assessment of your deck. Are there any soft spots in the wood? Is the railing still stiff and strong, or is it starting to wiggle a little? Look for nails that are popping up or missing. Also, check for any mildew or rot. To ensure you don’t miss anything, it pays to call in a professional to inspect your backyard retreat.
- Clean Everything Up: Once you have assessed your deck for any damage or rot, it’s time to make everything clean. Use a designated deck cleaner to scrub the boards and railings. You may choose to use a pressure washer. Be sure that you do not damage the wood while in use. Cleaning things down will revive your outdoor recreational space. Make sure you clean out any debris from in between the deck boards before staining them again. That is where a lot of wood rot problems tend to start. Once you are done cleaning, reapply a protective stain or sealant. They will cut down on the effects of the sun’s UV rays beating down on your deck. You don’t want to wait for damage to occur before you seal anything. In general, if it has been a couple years since the last time you sealed your deck, you should consider doing it again.
- Call in the Services of a Professional: Tired decks need revamping. Rot can creep in and destroy the beautiful wood you have been enjoying. A professional deck builder can come in and set things right again when this happens. They can take your time-and-weather-worn retreat and turn it into a spectacular area that you will want to be out on daily.
Prep for Spring with a Deck Revamp from Schafer Construction
Bring in grilling season with a refreshed deck from the experienced builders at Schafer Construction. For more than 30 years, we have served the area with deck building and repair work. Our goal is to take your dream and turn it into a reality. Depend on us to come in, assess the condition of your deck, and provide you with options that will satisfy both your dream and your budget. Learn more when you contact us today.
Call Schafer Construction at 510-339-9100 or contact us online. Homeowners across Berkeley and the San Francisco Bay Area rely on our skilled and experienced team for deck construction, inspection, and repair needs.
