8 Tips to Prepare Your Minnesota Deck for Summer
With the summer approaching, there are many tasks you can do to prepare your deck. This will happen before you pull out your deck or patio furniture and start soaking up the day from the privacy of your backyard. These deck maintenance tips can also help prolong the life of your deck and keep it from deteriorating.
At Roofers of Minnesota, we love our decks, so we’ve put together this handy guide to help you prepare your deck for summer.
1. Inspect & Repair
The first step is to inspect and repair your deck. Check for signs of damage, which can include loose or rotten boards, unstable railings, or protruding nails. Make these repairs so your deck stays safe to use.
2. Clean Thoroughly
To clean your deck, remove dirt, mold, or mildew from the surface, railings, and between the boards. Use a deck cleaner or a mixture of mild soap and water along with a stiff brush or pressure washer. Pay attention to corners, crevices, and areas prone to moisture buildup.
3. Stain or Seal
If your deck needs to be stained or sealed, you should take care of that before summer arrives in full swing. Choose a high-quality stain or sealant specifically formulated for outdoor use in Minnesota’s climate. Apply according to the manufacturer's instructions to protect the wood from UV damage, moisture, and wear.
4. Check & Tighten Hardware
Take this time to check and tighten all the hardware that holds your deck together. Screws and bolts can come loose over time, particularly due to weather and temperature fluctuations. Replace any that is corroded or rusty.
5. Trim Vegetation
You can also trim any plants or tree branches that hang over your desk. This will help prevent debris buildup, reduce moisture retention, and minimize the risk of pest infestation.
6. Inspect & Clean Gutters
Cleaning your gutters is an important summer task anyway, but making sure their clear will prevent debris and muck from spilling onto your deck during a rainstorm. Proper drainage is essential for preventing water buildup and moisture-related issues on and around your deck.
7. Inspect Safety Features
Always check the integrity of your deck and railings to ensure safety. Also, check the stairs for loose boards, nails, and other potentially dangerous problems. Repair and replace any damaged or worn-out components to help prevent injury.
8. Apply Insect Repellent
To really enjoy your deck in Minnesota, apply insect repellent around your deck. There are different repellents on the market, like sprays, candles, torches, and certain plants and essential oils.
Build a Deck You’ll Love With Roofers of Minnesota
Feeling deck envy? Let Roofers of Minnesota provide a free estimate on all custom deck-building projects!
We can install a superior deck in your front or backyard that you can enjoy for many years to come. Remodeling your deck? Let us help! We provide same-day project quotes and consultation scheduling, so you don’t have to wait for us to come out and assess your project.
We have specialized in exterior maintenance services for over 25 years, proudly serving the Twin Cities area. Give us a call today at 612-205-4791 or send us a message online.