NEW JERSEY HOME INSPECTOR PROVIDES FREE HINTS ON MAINTAINING YOUR WOOD DECK home inspections

Contrary to popular belief and the sales pitches of those who sell them wood decks are not at all maintenance free.  Once a year you must clean the deck and remove all moss prior to application of a high quality wood sealant.  The first year but a small amount of two or three different brand sealers.  

Draw a diagram on each can of what area of the deck you treated with it.  Trust me, next year they will all look the same.  That way you will be able to see what area of the deck still repels water after a year and know what brand to buy or if you wish to continue you can experiment once again.

Make sure the deck has proper flashing and bolts to secure it to the home. in order to avoid deck failure.  Check the guard rails, steps and handrails at least once a month to be sure they are secure and are still safe.

Decks are subject to the elements and will not last forever.  A little maintenance can prolong their useful life and make deck failure a less likely occurrence.   

File last updated February 08, 2012 * Copyright © 2012 All rights reserved by: Accurate Inspections, Inc. A New Jersey home inspection firm 56 Woodland Drive, Woodland Park (formerly West Paterson) NJ 07424 973-812-5100 providing New Jersey Certified Home Inspections in NJ, by New Jersey Licensed home inspectors. Inspector of record Michael Del Greco, New Jersey Home Inspector License GI 0121.