Upkeep Tips for Ensuring the Longevity of Your Timber Deck
Posted on: 1 February 2019
A majority of Australian homeowners without a doubt love the outdoors due to the mainly temperate climate of the country. Thus, whether you want to enjoy some peace and quiet or want an alfresco living space for entertaining your guests, a deck is one of the structures that most people will gravitate toward including on their property. Timber happens to be a popular material for deck construction due to its versatility. Not only is it available in a host of varieties and colours, but timber has an uncanny way of belonging in with the nature around your home. Nonetheless, timber decking does need special attention if you are to maintain a sturdy structure for the long term. Below are three upkeep tips for ensuring the longevity of your timber decking.
Have a schedule for staining the timber
One of the first things that your building contractors will do before constructing your timber deck is ensuring that the wood is pre-treated. The treatment works to keep the deck less susceptible to pest infestations while also offering a degree of water resistance to the wood. Nevertheless, it does not completely protect your timber deck from harm. Direct exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun coupled with erratic weather conditions can cause your deck to develop cracks, warps and other forms of damage. Sealing the deck by staining on a regular basis goes a long way in keeping it pristine despite being exposed to changing climatic conditions. Furthermore, routine staining helps to enhance the appearance of the wood, which keeps your deck attractive for years to come.
Inspect the timber deck for damages and repair immediately
Depending on the frequency with which your deck is in use, there is a likelihood of damages developing over time. While minor damages are normal, overlooking repairing them can lead to serious problems with the timber deck. Therefore, it is imperative for every homeowner to take the time to inspect their deck, particularly after the winter and the summer when the climatic conditions are harsher than normal. Keep an eye out for discolourations on the deck, as they could be indicative of decay. Secondly, apply pressure to the balustrades and stairs to check for weakness and have them secured if need be.
Keep plant life away from the deck
If you have shrubs, trees or flowers growing adjacent to the timber deck, it is crucial to ensure that the foliage is not collecting on the surface of the deck. The moisture from the plant life can lead to spots of decay on your timber deck, which can progress into severe wood damage. Moreover, the moisture can accelerate mould growth on your timber deck too. Not only should you sweep the deck on a daily basis but you should also trim away any foliage that is creeping onto the timber deck.
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