When the weather is good, many homeowners love spending time outdoors on their deck or porch. Whether they're entertaining family and friends, grilling out, or just relaxing with a cocktail, they find the outdoor space to be an enjoyable place.
But, even with the best materials and construction, the deck or porch may suffer from moisture damage over time. If left unchecked, water can rot wood, cause mold and mildew growth, and affect the structural integrity of the deck.
Fortunately, there are a few simple steps you can take to help prevent these problems from developing.
First, make sure the area under your deck is properly sloped away from the home’s foundation to ensure that any rainwater falls in the correct direction and drains correctly. It also helps to have a sump pump in place to catch any extra water that falls during heavy rains.
Second, you can add a layer of gravel under your deck that will allow water to slowly reach the ground underneath without causing erosion. This will slow the flow of rainwater and help to block weeds, which are another problem that can occur under a deck.
Third, you can install a drainage system under your deck that will collect and drain water from the area. This will help to keep the area free from standing water and prevent kids' toys and other lawn maintenance equipment from accumulating in water puddles that could otherwise wreak havoc on your landscaping and your home’s foundation.
Fourth, you can add non-skid, self-adhesive flashing tape to the tops of your deck’s joists and beams. This will keep water from dripping behind the boards and onto your house’s siding and sheathing or into the finished floors of your home.
Fifth, you can add a waterproof membrane under your deck to provide an additional layer of protection from the elements and stains. This is a great way to extend the life of your deck and make it more resistant to stains, mold, and mildew.
Sixth, you can clean out the gutters on your deck and porch to remove debris. This will help to prevent clogging of your drains and downspouts, which can become more difficult to remove if they get clogged with leaves, sticks, and other debris. You can always have it cleaned by yourself but better with the assistance of a professional gutter cleaning service such as Gutter Cleaning Virginia Beach to prevent further damage.
Seventh, you can sweep your deck to keep dirt, leaves, twigs, and branches from accumulating and causing discoloration on the surface of your deck. This will prolong the life of your deck and make it more appealing to use.
Eighth, you can spruce up the landscaping around your deck or porch to avoid allowing weeds to grow and help to maintain a clean look. This can include trimming back tree branches that encroach on the deck area and adding mulch to flower beds and shrubs in the area.
Ninth, you can apply a stain or sealer to your deck. This will make the surface more resistant to water and help to protect the wood from rotting, which can lead to cracks and splits that are unsightly and potentially dangerous.
