Roof Decking Maintenance: Keeping Your Outdoor Oasis in Top Shape

July 2, 2022

A roof decking is a wonderful outdoor extension of your home, providing a perfect place to relax, entertain guests, or enjoy the serene beauty of nature. However, like any other part of your home, it requires regular maintenance to keep it in top shape and prevent costly repairs. Roof decking maintenance involves a series of tasks that you can perform yourself or hire a professional contractor to do. Here are some tips to help you keep your outdoor oasis in excellent condition.

Clean and Remove Debris Regularly

Due to its location, your roof decking will inevitably accumulate dirt, dust, leaves, and other debris over time. If left unattended, these materials can cause mold and mildew to grow, which can damage the wood and create a slippery surface. To avoid this, you should sweep or vacuum the deck regularly, ideally once a week or after a storm.

Removing debris from your roof decking will also help prevent pests such as rodents or insects from nesting in the wood, potentially damaging it. Always remember to check any outdoor furniture or plants on the deck for debris or Roof decking dirt that could scratch the surface while cleaning.

Pressure Wash or Soft Scrub the Deck

After removing debris from your roof decking, the next step is to clean it thoroughly using a pressure washer or a soft scrub brush if the deck is made of lower-grade wood like Cedar. Pressure washing is an effortless way to remove any dirt or grime that has been stuck on the surface of the wood. The process involves using a high-pressure stream of water to blast away unwanted substances, which can also be used to clean other exterior surfaces of your home such as your driveway, siding, or concrete patios.

However, you should be careful when using a pressure washer as it can damage the wood if not used correctly. To avoid this, follow the manufacturer’s guidelines or hire a professional to help you clean it.

Seal Your Deck

The finishing coat of sealant is an essential part of maintaining a roof decking. Sealing the wood enhances its durability, prevents moisture from entering the wood, and protects it from sun damage that can cause cracking or fading.

However, the frequency of how often you seal your deck depends on a few factors such as location, weather or physical exposure, and the type of sealant used. Those living in areas with temperate weather can get away with sealing once a year. But for those living in areas with more rainfall, freezing temperatures or strong sunlight, it’s best to redo it twice or thrice yearly.

Inspect Your Roof Deck Regularly

Without proper inspection of your roof decking, small issues could become more significant and cost more to fix over time. Regular inspection of your deck could be done by physically walking on it to check for loose bolts, splintered wood, or any damage to the deck rails.

Not all damage to a deck might result in a costly repair if caught early. Loose bolts or a cracked board could be fixed with DIY tips on decking repair, saving costs by fixing it early. Taking care of any problems during maintenance reduces overall cost and prolongs the life of a roof deck.

Conclusion

A roof decking adds value to your home and provides additional living space. When properly maintained, the deck can last for years without incurring significant repairs. Regular cleaning, inspection, and refinishing of the wood are essential to retaining the deck’s luster and structure. Done correctly, maintaining your outdoor oasis becomes an effortless task.