Purchasing a deck or pergola positively affects the value of your backyard space, and they bring a delightful appearance to it. But the key to long-lasting beauty and ungained value is in their maintenance. You must commit to understanding and practicing their particular rules. This ensures a good life for your wood-based structures and holds up to the life-beating punishment of rain, snow, and sun. Let me pass on the information I've gathered over many years. These are the rules I go by, and though they may not be perfect, they work quite well and make good sense.
Maintaining your deck is important. Dirt, debris, and organic material all tend to collect on your deck's surface. If left unchecked, they'll lead to the growth of icky mold and/or mildew. If you stay on top of this basic level of deck maintenance, you'll go a long way toward making your deck last. How often? Well, at a minimum, we reckon you should sweep your deck to remove that basic "gunk" whenever you see it (kind of like how you should wash your hands whenever you go to the bathroom... min shouldn't be an option, right?).
Protecting wood decks from moisture, UV rays, and wear requires applying a sealant or stain every 2-3 years. Doing so creates a barrier that prevents water-based damage (rot and decay) to the structure below and "wear and tear" to the deck and railings themselves. The UV filter in a good semitransparent or solid-colour stain can both protect the wood and enhance its natural good looks. For the same reasons, you should also apply a clear or "toning" stain product to the tops of deck posts and handrails.
It is very important to have routine inspections, for it is during these that the most common problems are identified and dealt with. Decks are ruled by gravity; a problem with a single component is enough to make the whole structure come tumbling down. They are also the most exposed structures in the house, so regular inspections are essential to keep them intact. Pergolas are also very popular, and more and more people are putting them up in their backyards. They, too, need to be inspected regularly to make sure they are not going to give way under a sudden load or a strong wind.
Pests like termites and carpenter ants are often found in wooden structures and can cause a lot of destruction. There are lots of ways to prevent infestations of these and other wood-loving pests. For a deck made of wood (especially a wood that termites like, such as redwood or cedar), you can apply a termiticide to the soil underneath the deck before you put the deck in. Once a year, then, buy some wood preservative and either brush it onto the clean, dry deck (follow the label directions—it's reliable stuff) or mix it into a bucket of water and use a big brush to slop it onto the surface of the deck.
The effects of weather can really wear down both decks and pergolas. Here are the top four primary ways the elements can damage decks and the preventive measures to take. Weather-Worn Cover If your deck is made of wood, you've probably already seen that the weather tends to make it pretty worn looking. Uneven Layers Snow affects decks the same way it affects porches and roofs—essentially it can make them collapse. Downer The obvious issue with water for wooden decks is that standing water makes decks very slippery.
Your deck and pergola can enjoy a longer life if you follow some simple, helpful practices. Decks will benefit from furniture pads, as these not only protect the wood but also reduce the chances of moisture seeping in and leading to rot. (In fact, using furniture pads is a good idea indoors and on porches, too!) Avoid letting climbing plants get out of control, especially if they are growing on your pergola. In some cases, they can damage the structure. And, of course, give any structure some tender loving care by checking it over in the spring, tightening joints, and giving the wood a little TLC if it needs it.
Taking proper care of decks and pergolas requires a lot of love and labour. The following outlines what you need to do to ensure that the delight and the structure both endure. When you carry out these tasks, you not only protect your investment--and it is an investment that can pay off handsomely when you decide to sell your home--but you also ensure that you have a space to enjoy for years to come.