Seasonal deck maintenance allows you to assess the condition of your deck; this helps you determine if there is any weather damage that needs repair. Ace Handyman Services North Oakland offers professional handyman services, including deck repair, for homeowners across Lake Orion's canals and waterfront neighborhoods. Here are three tips for maintaining your deck:
1. Perform Structural Inspections
Performing regular deck inspections allows you to assess the need for deck repair. Structural deck elements include:
- Ledger board: This connects the house and deck
- Joists: These support deck boards
- Posts: The posts support the deck
Make sure the joists and posts are not rotted and are strong enough to support the weight of the deck and the occupants. The ledger board should be connected, and the footings should be in good condition. Check to see whether the deck railings and stairs are stable, as the weather can cause expansion and contraction. For synthetic decks, look for signs of loose screws and sagging boards. The deck should also follow building codes; this includes baluster spacing, load capacity, and guardrail height compliance. We are able to perform a professional deck inspection for you, assessing its structural safety.
2. Replace Boards as Needed
Some wooden decks require board replacements, as they are organic. Moisture off the lake and canals, paired with Michigan's freeze-thaw cycles, can soften boards, and UV rays are able to cause splintering. Signs that a replacement is needed include:
- Wood that is cracked, rotted, or bent
- Splitting seams along the deck
- Weakness around the railing posts
Make sure to replace boards that are in bad condition as soon as possible, since replacement helps prevent the damage from spreading to the framing. We perform individual board replacements as part of our services.
3. Clean and Stain the Deck
The material that your deck boards are made of may require different types of maintenance. Wood decks on properties near Lake Orion's 506-acre lake and its canals — including waterfront homes on Bellevue Island and Park Island — require protection against higher levels of moisture; this includes deck cleaning, staining, sealing, or painting. Treatment options include semi-transparent and solid stain application and penetrating sealant.
Wood decks require renewed protection, and cedar needs staining every one to two years. Seal pressure-treated wood every two to three years. If the deck has experienced surface weathering, it can be restored with cleaning, sanding, and stain application.
Make sure to clean the deck before staining, as this promotes adhesion. Both wood and synthetic decks require seasonal power washing. Cleaning decks in the spring helps clear debris from the winter — a step that matters even more for decks exposed to the added summer humidity coming off the lake, which can encourage algae and mildew growth if left unaddressed. We offer power washing services, and we calibrate the pressure settings to clean the deck without damaging the board surfaces.
Schedule Your Deck Repair in Lake Orion Today
Regular inspections and maintenance, including pre- and post-winter treatments, help extend the lifespan of your deck. We offer deck resurfacing and replacement options, and we build ground-level and multi-level decks. During our visits, we keep sites clean and perform a walkthrough with you to answer your questions. To learn more about the deck repair services we offer, Ace Handyman Services North Oakland invites you to contact us today.