Adding a deck to your home gives you an outdoor oasis where you can unplug, unwind from your day and soak up some sunshine. Adding a deck is an investment in your home and your self-care.
HomeAdvisor estimates that a 200- to 500-foot deck could cost around $7,000. While that deck may last you up to 25 years, it doesn’t come maintenance-free. Here are our best tips for protecting your investment.
- Protect the wood from moisture – Based on research conducted with builders, over 90 percent of a deck substructure starts to split and rot at around 8 to 10 years if it’s not protected from moisture. A simple and cost-effective way to protect your deck is with a joist tape, like Trex Protect. Peel-and-stick joist tape allows the wood to breathe because it is applied as a cap directly on top of joists and beams. The tape protects screw holes from moisture by acting as a barrier against water. Deck flashing tape will protect your substructure from decay and will help ensure that your foundation lasts as long as the decking it supports.
- Add an overhead to shield it from sun exposure – If your deck gets a lot of direct sun exposure, consider adding an overhead structure to shade it and protect it from fading. Adding an overhead structure is simple and can be a DIY project or you can have your builder add one for you.
- Clean your deck – Keep your deck clean by sweeping it regularly. If you have pets that walk on your deck, keep their nails trimmed, as even pet nails can damage certain types of wood. High heels can also do damage to the wood or to a composite deck. To clean your deck, use a synthetic bristle brush and scrub the deck with a cleaner made for your decking material. Scrub your deck when the weather is forecasted to be dry for at least three days in a row to allow your deck to fully dry. Be careful if you’re going to use a pressure washer. Too much pressure can damage your deck. Decks.com has some helpful tips on pressure washing your deck.
Summer is just around the corner, so it’s time to get your deck in shape so that you can enjoy it. If you’re planning to build a new deck consider Trex Protect to keep your deck substructure free from rot and decay. A clean and dry deck will help you enjoy those backyard barbeques for years to come!