Fall has arrived and winter is knocking at the door. A lot of times we shut the doors and focus on what are we going to do in order to stay warm and cozy and don’t even think about our outdoor spaces.
Believe it or not, this time is very crucial in the maintenance of your deck especially if you want it to continue looking beautiful for those warmer spring and summer months. It’s pivotal that you sweep off dead leaves and wash down your deck from time to time. Leaves that are left on the deck can wind up in between each deck board. This can then continue to accumulate and develop into a serious drainage problem when the snow begins to pile on or the rain starts to pour. How bad of a drainage problem? Water can begin to collect on the surface of the board, and with nowhere to go, can lead to the cupping and warping of your deck boards.
The buildup of leaves in between the gaps can also lead to mold and fungus growth in the leaves which can then begin to affect the board itself. Although Ipe, Cumaru, and Tigerwood are too dense for mold to take hold in the core of the board, it can still grow on the surface, or even the joist system, which will then require some scrubbing down the road, that is, when the weather clears up.
Just follow these 3 simple steps to maintain your deck throughout Fall and Winter:
1) Sweep.
2. Scrub
3. Hose Down
So what are we trying to say? Just because Fall has graced us with his presence, again, doesn’t give an excuse to neglect your deck. Regular maintenance throughout the fall months will prolong its life. Trust us; your deck will thank you.