Why Fall Is Prime Time for Deck Maintenance

It’s FALL, Y’ALL! 🍁 The leaves are changing, the weather is cooling, and the mountains are full of beautiful autumn colors.  

​If you’ve already got yourself wrapped up in the excitement of putting out fall decor, pulling out the comfy sweaters, and putting away the summer toys, it’s also time to start thinking about what needs to be done to your outdoor living spaces.  

​In our last blog, we discussed deck safety tips for hosting fall deck parties, and this blog will expand on that, specifically focusing on deck maintenance.  

​Here at Blackrock Decks, we don’t just build your decks, install railings, and cover your space with a custom roof. We are also a resource for all things related to your deck and outdoor living area. With summer officially over and the cooler months setting in, it’s time to start thinking about deck maintenance before fully preparing it for winter (blog coming soon).

​So what does deck maintenance include? Let’s talk about it!

Cool Weather

The weather is cooling down, and that means you will have better working conditions.  You won’t be out in the hot sun all day trying to repair or inspect your deck.  

​If you have a deck that needs to be sealed, stained, or painted, it’s actually recommended to do those tasks in cooler weather because the products cure better than they do in hot temperatures and high humidity.

Slower Times

Even though the holidays are approaching quickly, the months between summer and the holiday season seem to pass more slowly. You’re probably settling into a cozy fall routine, without having to run back and forth to your kids’ practices or host as many outdoor activities.  

It will be much easier to do maintenance on your deck when you aren’t using it as much. This also means you can take a closer look at everything that has happened to it over the spring and summer months. Think of this maintenance as hitting your deck reset button!

Deck Maintenance Essentials

We know you’ll still use your deck—even in the winter, if it’s covered—but there are a few essential things you should do now to keep it looking great!

Deep Clean for a Cozy Fall

Spring cleaning is so last season (😉). How about a fall deck deep clean instead!

The first step in doing a deep clean is to move all furniture off the deck, along with any movable fixtures, such as grills, tables, umbrellas, potted plants, and decorations.  

​If you store any furniture for the winter, this is a great time to wash any pillows or covers before storing them, so they are fresh for next season.​

While your deck is empty, sweep and remove any debris that has started to fall due to the changing weather, such as leaves and twigs.

Once your deck is cleaned off, it’s time to hit it with that satisfying power washer! Bringing out the power washer is a fun chore because you truly get to see the difference in how clean your deck gets! If you have Trex or Timbertech decking, it won’t take much to clean it because it is easy to clean and was created to stay looking as good as the day it was installed!

Work Around Your Deck

Now that the deck is clean, check the areas around your deck before you put any furniture back. See if you have trees that need trimming or gutters that need cleaning. Clogged gutters can overflow and create pooling on your deck, which leads to unnecessary wear on the boards.

Take a Second Look

We’ve already discussed safety tips for throwing parties, so you know to check for loose boards, pushed-up nails and screws, and unstable railings. However, it never hurts to take a second look.  

​It’s especially great to look again because you have nothing on your deck to impede your vision! You can look over spots where furniture is moved a lot, where the kids play, or where there are areas of high traffic. If you don’t have a Blackrock deck, make sure to check the railings all the way around and secure any loose areas. Don’t forget to check the stairs! That is a common place for boards to come loose due to the varying weights and pressures they support.

​Deck maintenance doesn’t just help keep your space clean. It also extends the life of your deck, ensures your family and pets are safe, and ultimately allows you to enjoy your outdoor space all the more, knowing you’re taking care of it.  

Why Fall Deck Maintenance Is Beneficial

​The savings on future repairs by doing semi-annual maintenance is a plus as well!

​After all that is said and done, if you need assistance with a deck upgrade, railing change, or any other needs for your outdoor space, give our team at Blackrock Decks a call.  We can help replace your old deck–whether it’s wood, solid-surface, or composite–with state-of-the-art composite decking from Trex or Timbertech.  We can also replace your railing with a safer, more modern style.  Looking to extend the usability of your deck? We can also discuss custom deck roofs or porch covers with you. Whatever your need, we can assist and create a plan to elevate your outdoor living!