How to Redo Your Deck After a Long Winter

After a long, snowy winter, your yard and deck may not look to be in tip-top shape. Snow, sleet, and hail can really take a toll on your deck and fence.

Once the snow melts and your deck is usable again, you may notice that it has lost its luster. In some cases, if the snowfall was particularly heavy, you may even have some more serious damage. If this is the case, no need to worry. The right deck materials and a solid vision are all you need to revitalize your outdoor space this spring.

Here are a few simple steps to get the project going:

1. Evaluate the surface. Obviously you won’t know what needs to be fixed if you don’t check. It’s likely that you’ll need a new coat of stain on your deck, but you also may need to replace some boards, nails, or even a new railing.

2. Check the joists and posts for rot. In the winter, wet conditions can wear down your support system and panels. As a rule of thumb, use a flathead screwdriver to check for rot. If you can sink the screwdriver between the joists, then you have a serious structural problem and may need to think about building a new deck altogether.

3. Before deck construction or renovation, the parts need to be cleaned and cleared. Be sure to remove all deck accessories from the space and sweep off any visible dirt. Take a power washer to the deck to get rid of any debris or peeling paint before you get started.

4. Tighten your screws and other fasteners. Loose screws and nails can allow rot to spread into your support system faster. Additionally, loose fasteners can also make your deck less stable.

While some of these fixes may seem simple, you never truly know how badly your deck is damaged until all of the snow melts and winter is officially over. The majority of Americans (90%) believe that it is important to have a well-maintained yard. As soon as spring comes, many Americans will be rushing to have their outdoor spaces redone.

ByCarls Fencing, Decking, & Home Improvements has been redoing NJ decks for over 30 years, as well as other services. If winter has claimed your backyard and you need deck materials, fencing materials, or simply someone to inspect and evaluate your outdoor space, give our deck and fence contractors a call today!