Seasonal Deck Maintenance Checklist

Outdoor living spaces are becoming increasingly popular, especially when homeowners build decks for their homes. Decks built by Deer Ridge Construction are made with highly durable materials that are designed to withstand Pennsylvania’s outdoor conditions. Even with premium materials, your deck will need to be maintained regularly to keep it in optimal condition. There will be different tasks to complete depending on the season in Pennsylvania. Here is a seasonal deck maintenance checklist to help you stay organized with repairing your deck. 

Spring

Spring maintenance is focused on inspecting for damage from Pennsylvania’s winter and preparing the deck for constant use during the summer. 

Inspections and Repairs

Inspect for any damage the deck may have sustained during the winter months. Regular inspections prevent bigger, more expensive repairs from being needed in the long run. You should be looking for any loose boards, loose fasteners, popped nails, or cracks in the deck. Make sure the deck’s railings are also secure, and tighten any loose fasteners to keep everything sturdy. Make the necessary repairs to ensure the deck is in good condition for summer use. If you notice any structural issues, call in a professional at Deer Ridge to safely repair them. 

Spring Cleaning 

We use TimberTech’s Harvest and Vintage Collection decking for our decks, which requires minimal maintenance. You can clean it with just soap and water using a soft brush. For harsh stains, you can use a pressure washer on a low setting. You’ll also need to sweep the deck to get rid of any dirt and debris that has accumulated. Check for any mold or mildew that may have grown throughout the winter. Use vinegar and water or a pressure washer to clean it, but you can also find some quality deck cleaners that are designed to clean mold. 

Summer 

Summer is mainly focused on general cleaning and maintenance while you’re using the deck more often. 

Ensure Proper Drainage 

If you have an above-ground deck, make sure the deck’s gutters and downspouts are working correctly, especially after Pennsylvania’s spring showers. Clean out leaves, twigs, and dirt regularly from the under-deck drainage system so it doesn’t clog. Another way to have proper drainage is to keep vegetation away from the deck. Trim away plants and shrubs so they don’t grow too close to the structure and trap moisture. If you see any issues caused by moisture, address them immediately so mold doesn’t grow. To help drain water, we can add stones underneath your deck.

Clean Regularly  

Regularly clean the deck to ensure it looks acceptable for guests. Clean up any spills from drinks or grilling from a summer party so they don’t stain. Pollen, leaves, and dirt will accumulate during the summer; sweep these away. Regularly sweeping the deck can minimize UV damage to the materials. 

Furniture 

The deck itself is not the only thing you’ll have to seasonally maintain; you’ll also have to maintain your outdoor furniture. When getting your furniture out of storage, make sure you wash everything so it’s clean for use. Repair or replace any furniture that’s old or broken. We recommend moving around the furniture every once in a while so they and any rugs underneath don’t get UV damage. You can also use pads under the furniture to prevent it from scratching the deck. 

Autumn 

Autumn is focused on preparing the deck for Pennsylvania’s winter conditions. 

Deep Clean 

We find it best to do one final deep clean before winter starts. Sweep away any leaves that have fallen on the deck, as they can trap moisture. Wash the surface with soap and water or a pressure washer on low. Pay special attention to the gaps between the deck boards, as these can accumulate more dirt and moisture. 

Protection 

Protect any furniture you have on the deck for the winter. We recommend storing your furniture in a storage shed if you have one. If your deck is second story, talk with our team about adding under-deck storage where you can keep your outdoor furniture. If you have no room to store it, then cover the furniture with protective, waterproof covers.

Clear Shrubs and Trees

Clearing away vegetation is especially important in the winter. Ice on trees and shrubs is heavy and can damage the deck. Make sure no tree branches are hanging over the deck to ensure this doesn’t happen. 

Winter 

Winter maintenance is focused on protecting the deck from cold weather, as Pennsylvania regularly gets snow. 

Clear Away Snow

Make sure there’s no snow buildup on the deck, since it’s heavy and can cause the deck boards to get damaged. Use a plastic snow shovel to remove the snow; we’ve found that metal ones can scratch the deck. Don’t use rock salt ice melts either, as they can damage the deck boards and metal fasteners. We recommend only using ones that are labeled safe for composite decking. 

Inspect for Moisture 

Water can pool and freeze by the deck in the winter, which can cause it to expand. During periods where winter weather is calmer, make sure there’s no moisture buildup near the deck and check for any damage. Look specifically at the deck boards and make any repairs needed to stay on top of them.

Get Started with Deer Ridge

Looking to build a deck for your home? Deer Ridge Construction builds custom decks for homeowners in Pennsylvania to expand their outdoor living spaces. Our quality craftsmanship and premium materials make for a highly durable, low-maintenance deck, but you will have to complete some maintenance seasonally to keep the deck in optimal condition. Check out some of our featured projects to get some ideas for your deck. If you’re ready to get started, contact us today.