Summer is almost here and that means warm-weather activities and spending time outdoors with family and friends. This is the time for outdoor BBQs, pool parties, and enjoying drinks on your outdoor deck. In order to enjoy all of this to the fullest you’ll need to make sure your deck is prepared for it. While the summer months bring much joy, they also bring heat and that heat can do a lot of damage to your deck, and create bigger problems in the seasons after. UV rays are stronger during this time and you need to make sure your deck is correctly taken care of for this change. 

Now that you understand what needs to happen, we’ll lay out the steps you can take in order to best enjoy your deck this season, with no risk of water leak or damage. Here is our list of how to best prepare your deck for the summer.

Inspect 

As usual for preparing for any new season, you’ll have to do a thorough walkaround of your deck and look for any cracks or signs of damage. If you find this you must immediately take the action necessary and call someone to repair the damage. You do not want your summer activities ruined because you didn’t fix something that was easily fixable. The other aspect of this is to ensure that during the summer other issues won’t arise. As it heats up, your deck will become more susceptible to damage. So make sure you know whether or not you need to make major repairs, or simple ones. 

Clean

Once you do your inspection it’s time to give it a deep clean. Now, if you regularly clean your deck then you may not have to do this, however if not, it is necessary. This means you’ll have to take off all of the furniture you currently have on there. Depending on the severity of the filth, you may need to bust out the power washer and do a real deep clean. However, usually you should simply be able to remove all the leaves, dirt, and random debris. Then give it a good wash. This is all to prepare for the most crucial step that will truly protect your outdoor deck.

Seal

This is where the professionals come in, like us at WICR. The UV rays combined with the heat, do work on your deck and previous sealant. If you do not apply a new one, the damage may be irreparable. With pool water flying everywhere, heat, and even summer showers, the elements are doing everything they can to damage your deck. Get it professionally sealed after you’ve cleaned your deck and you won’t have to think about it at all. 

Enjoy

Once you’ve done all that, the only preparation left is getting the things you need for your favorite summer activities. Get a new BBQ, buy a wine cooler, or build a cooler into your BBQ, the possibilities are endless. Just ensure that you are being safe, and that you are taking the necessary precautions with your outdoor deck, and you’ll be enjoying every night, all summer long. 

At WICR, Inc. nothing’s more important than your safety, and without proper deck maintenance, it won’t matter whether it’s summer, fall, winter, or spring, the damage will be done. Ensure that your deck is waterproof so you won’t have any fear of a water leak or damage. There is no bigger buzzkill than having to put summer plans on hold because you didn’t plan accordingly.