I get asked regularly how to best clean and maintain decks and railings. I do have some good ideas on that subject, but first want to emphasize how important it is to gain and maintain knowledge of the structural integrity of your deck. The first step in good deck maintenance is knowing what condition your deck is in. If your deck has been around for “a few” years, you really need to inspect the structure or have the structure inspected by a competent deck builder. The safety of you, your family, your friends and anyone using your deck is dependent on you being aware of what condition your deck is in. I have replaced several decks recently, the structure of which was so rotten, so dangerous, that I had to work off scaffolds to complete the demolition. The home-owners were aware the some deck boards were soft, or that there “looks like a couple joist may have a little rot” but had not really inspected their deck and were using a deck that could easily have fallen apart while their family was enjoying a family BBQ. Scary stuff! Often , when asked to look at a potential deck project, my client is hopeful that using the existing structure and just replacing the deck surface will be possible. I understand and respect the desire to save money, but if the decking on your deck is soft in spots, or some boards have had to be replaced, it is most likely that the joists to which they are attached also have begun to rot. Usually the rot starts where the decking fasteners penetrate into the joists and grows from there. Subsequently the extent of the rot may be very hard to see from below. Please, inspect your deck structure or have it inspected. Make sure your deck is safe to use!
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