How to Protect Your Deck from the Elements

At some point, your old wooden deck is going to fail or you are going to get sick of stepping on the splinters. Either way, it is relatively easy to replace your decking, especially once you see upgrade options made of longer lasting materials that also require less maintenance.

The Decking is the First to Fail

Most often, the portion of a deck that fails is the decking itself, due to prolonged exposure to the sun and other elements. The deck boards are the most visible part, but not the hardest to install. The frame, ledger, and footing require some skill and expertise to install, but fastening the deck boards is quite easy.

 

You Can Possibly Keep the Frame

If your deck is showing signs of wear, it might be possible to replace the decking and keep the rest of the structure intact. First, remove the rotten decking in order to examine the frame. Check carefully for any signs of rot or cracking. If the frame is in good condition, you are lucky. Saving your deck will only requiring the installation of new deck boards.

 

Choose Composites for Longer Life and Less Maintenance

This is the perfect time to consider composite materials instead of natural wood. As you can tell by your rotting boards, wood is prone to decay and needs to be protected each year against sun and water damage. Composite material does not rot and you will never need to stain, paint, or seal deck boards again. Just pressure wash it annually to remove any mold growth. The newer composites, such as Timbertech decking, do not even need this maintenance, thanks to four-sided capping.

By installing composite decking when replacing damaged deck boards, you can upgrade your entire outdoor living area. Composites are durable, do not fade, and require no or little maintenance. Switching to composite will save you money over time—a smart choice.