Even in the wintertime, you need to take measures to prevent your deck from becoming a hazard.
Although people rarely use their deck throughout the winter, it is still important that a homeowner does not neglect it. Injuries and accidents could occur on your deck making you liable, especially if you have been ignoring the upkeep. Winter creates conditions that will increase the likelihood of slips and falls. Here are some tips from Miles Bradley on how to prevent your deck from becoming a hazard.
Let’s start with the obvious things that will make your deck dangerous: ice and snow. While clearing the snow is easy enough, removing the ice is another story. Some people think that sprinkling grit salt is a good solution but this can be incredibly harmful to your deck. Due to composite decks having a high percentage of hardwood fibers inside, this abrasive material can mark up your deck quickly. This also applies to harsh anti-slip chemicals that can stain and discolor your deck.
Instead of relying on grit salt and harsh chemicals, the best way to remove ice is to use warm water. Just fill a bucket with warm water and pour it over the deck to melt away the ice build-up. Sometimes, there will be residue left, but that can be easily removed through cleaning. After applying the warm water, use a squeegee to remove the excess and a dry mop. Also, apply non-slip methods to ensure safety.
When it rains or snows, decks tend to become a slipping hazard. However, adding some non-slip mats and adhesive treads can be a great solution for that. These are affordable solutions to install that will prevent accidents. Treads and mats provide extra grip, reducing the chances of slipping and falling. In addition, mats come in a variety of styles allowing you to choose what is best for your deck.
Although it can be hard with winter snow and ice, you should do regular cleaning when the weather is right. While ice and snow are hazards, the biggest slipping hazard is the build-up of mildew and mold. Once the weather is good, use a hose or powerwash on a low setting to remove mold, debris, and other things that will make your deck hazardous!
Do you know how heat and humidity affect your deck?
There is nothing more relaxing than being on your deck, enjoying the summer sun. Most homeowners would like to drift away for a nice nap as they sip a nice cool drink. However, the summer heat and humidity can cause distress for your deck. Without heat exposure and humidity can cause damage over time. You might be wondering what type of damage your deck can endure during the summer. Here is how heat and humidity could be damaging your deck!
Here you can see long-term damage that can be done by weather.
Here in the Midwest, we are used to crazy weather patterns that can change at the drop of a hat, but our decks? Not so much. Summer heat and humidity can really do a number on your deck, especially if your deck is untreated or unsealed. Composite decks have their own challenges as well.
We always recommend putting a protective layer on your deck, by staining or sealing it with a weather protective layer. This way your deck will have more longevity and be able to stand up to the elements. Or if you want you can negate the whole process by having a Trex Composite deck.
Damage can be done over time from heat, sun, and rain exposure. When it’s hot out wood will shrink and dry out, which makes it more absorbent to rain and liquids. This will absorb untreated wood and cause swelling and buckling. This cycle of shrinking and swelling will cause wood to warp and buckle and can pull nails out from joints.
To prevent this we recommend putting a sealant on your deck every 1-2 years for the best result. This will help keep wood exposed to the elements dry and will minimize the warping.
While having a composite deck has many benefits, there are a few humidity issues that it is susceptible to. One of these humidity issues is your deck’s surface becoming slick. Due to composite decks’ resistance to moisture, it is not absorbed. As a result, the moisture accumulates on the surface, making the deck slick. This problem also occurs with decks that are treated with sealant. That means that you need to be extra careful to avoid slipping and falling.
In the Midwest, our humidity levels can get overwhelming, and this can affect your deck. Mold and mildew spores are constantly in the air and normally aren’t too much of a problem. When rain and high humidity get into the mix, this creates the perfect conditions for them to grow in the nooks and crannies of your deck. When this growth happens you will typically see it as discolorations or stains on your deck. These stains generally look black, brown, or green and can spread and grow in the right conditions. This causes what is commonly referred to as mildew staining.
Once the stain has set into your deck you will have to either use a fungicide that is specially formulated for decks or use a 1:3 ratio Bleach to water solution (vinegar can also be substituted for the bleach if chemicals are a concern) to clean your deck. Follow this wash by sanding and sealing your deck after it has had a good week to dry out in the sun.
If your deck has seen better days or could use a touch up we can help. We work with clients who have decks that have been damaged by the wear and tear of these Midwest weather patterns. We’ll even give you a free estimate. Click here to get yours.
It’s that time of year again where the weather is getting colder and we have to start thinking about winterizing our composite or wood decks. Especially in the harsh Michigan Winters, deck owners have to make sure to take all the necessary precautions to ensure the longest life for composite and wood decking. But what is the best way to winterize your deck?
By cleaning your deck before the snow starts accumulating, you can avoid the hassle of removing long-standing dirt and grime from your deck when the snow melts in the Spring. If you leave dirt on your deck, especially wood, for long periods of time then you risk discoloration and stains on the decking.
Make sure that you check your deck for any weaknesses before the first snowfall. If you have loose screws, lifting boards, or any cracks, heavy snows and extra pressure could make the problem much worse. Call Miles Bradley to get a free estimate before the deck sustains real damage.
It’s always better to be safe than sorry. If you trim your overhanging tree branches before a bad storm hits, you have no chance of sustaining damage to your deck from a heavy branch cracking and falling on it. This is a simple precaution that could save you lots of money.
You may want to relocate your furniture to the attic or a shed during the Winter. This will protect the furniture’s quality and keep it in its best condition for the Spring. Also, it will prevent rust spots and mildew from forming on the decking surrounding the furniture.
For any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us! As your trusted local deck builder, we are happy to address any concerns that you may have about winterizing your composite or wood deck.
Fall is the perfect time to perform deck maintenance. Not only is the weather much cooler than the Summer weather but it is also the perfect time to perform safety checks before the Winter. Trex decking is incredibly low-maintenance and also hassle-free! Caring for Trex decks is extremely easy, especially in the Fall. Only occasionally do you have to perform any maintenance. Here are a few simple tips on how to maintain your Trex deck in the Fall.
Trex decking is a hassle-free, low-cost, and eco-friendly decking material. Made from 95% recycled materials, Trex planks contain special three-sided shell protection. This allows the planks to retain their beautiful look for many years in the color of your choice.
Here at Miles Bradley, our distinguished installers are experienced and certified Trex Platinum Contractors. We know how to install Trex and make it look its best. To get your new deck installed, contact us today and request a free quote. We can’t wait to hear from you!
Maintenance-free deck builders are always available at Miles Bradley Building and Remodeling. What does it mean to have a maintenance-free deck? When it came to older more traditional wood decks, there was a certain level of maintenance you needed to do. Maintenance for the wood deck can include, cleaning, sanding, repairs, stain, and much more. Now a wood deck is a fine choice but just be aware there is more work in owning one.
A low-maintenance composite deck is the most popular choice when it comes to new decks. In addition, the maintenance on these types of decks is at a bare minimum. You do not have to worry about splinters or chipping paint, just sweep off the deck and you are good to go. One of the big choices people ask is Trex vs Timbertech when choosing materials for their deck.
Here at Miles Bradley Building and Remodeling, we work almost exclusively with Trex Decking. Also, we have certified Trex Decking installers with years of experience in the product. Timbertech is also a nice choice and quality material as well. Either way, you are getting some of the best materials for your new deck. The beauty of Trex decks is you will not experience rot, splitting, swelling, or cracking. Making it a great choice.
In addition, Trex will never require repainting, staining, or sealing. When it comes to a maintenance-free deck builder, you need a licensed and certified builder you can trust. Miles Bradley Building and Remodeling has been building composite decks in the Detroit area since 1991. In addition, we also have a branch in the Chicago area as well. You can request a quote today or give us a call for Michigan residents at 248-478-8660 or in Chicago at 847-920-7601. Finally, beat the spring and summer rush and request your deck today!