woman scrubbing wood floor

The deck industry is a booming one – one that’s worth about 740 million dollars in the United States. If you have a deck, you know how much installation costs, not to mention the cost of regular upkeep and care. But even so, savvy homeowners know that despite the cost and time associated with maintenance, this is far cheaper than having to install a brand new deck due to neglect!

Now that fall has arrived, check out these tips on how to prepare your deck for the upcoming season.

Determine How You Will Use the Space

Consider what you will be using your deck for as we head into the colder months. Do you plan on still using it? Perhaps your grill is located on your deck and you like to use it to cook dinner all winter long. Or, maybe you don’t get any use out of your deck in winter and want to shut it down altogether.

If you plan to continue using it, you’ll want to invest in weather-resistant furniture that will withstand the colder temps.

Inspect Your Deck

Now is the time to inspect your deck and see if you can notice any damage that may have occurred over the summer.

Deck damage can include:

  • Water damage
  • Wind damage
  • Damage from animals and wildlife
  • Damage from termites

Also, be on the lookout for any leaks nearby, such as outdoor faucets or gutters that may empty onto the deck. When water freezes, costly damage and risk of slips can occur.

Prep the Area

Inspect the wider area around your deck, keeping a particular eye on vegetation such as bushes and trees. Trim them back so that they are a foot or more away from your deck as a preventive measure against mold and moss. This will also ensure branches don’t fall onto your deck and damage it.

Apply a Protective Finish

Pick up some water-repellent finish and apply it to your deck to preserve its lifespan, a great way to guard against moisture infiltration. Protective finishes will keep cracking and warping at bay, which can worsen if neglected.

Install a Deck Covering

Another thing you can do to protect your deck in fall and winter is to install a permanent deck cover. This will also extend the seasonal life of your deck, so you can enjoy it all year long. If a permanent cover is not your thing, go with a retractable awning.

Rake the Leaves

Before winter hits, you should rake or brush off all the fallen leaves from the deck, especially if you have a wooden one. When leaves are allowed to stay in one spot for a long time, they can rot and grow mold. This impacts the structural integrity of your deck over the years.

Consider Investing in a New Deck

During your fall inspection, you may realize there are just too many issues to fix. It may be more cost effective to simply invest in a new one rather than make costly repairs. If your deck is older than 15 years or so, this is a wise option. You can use this opportunity to upgrade to a more durable material, such as composite decking.

Contact Alamo Decks and Fence

If it’s time for a new deck this fall, call Alamo Decks and Fence for a free quote and consultation at 210-794-0875.

 

 

 

 

BUILD YOUR FENCE TODAY!

If you’re looking to beautify and enhance the security of your property, turn to Alamo Decks & Fence in Bexar County. We truly value our customers, which is why you can trust us to build your fence using the highest quality materials at the best prices possible.

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Call us at 210-320-2138