Maintenance / System care
Deck, siding and exterior wood
Cleaning, sealing and the safety checks decks need every year.
Sun and water are hard on exterior wood. Yearly checks keep decks safe and catch rot in trim and siding before it spreads.
Deck safety check (each spring)
- Probe posts, joists and boards with a screwdriver; soft wood is rot
- Check the ledger board where the deck attaches to the house for gaps and rust
- Push on railings; they shouldn't move
- Tighten or replace loose screws and nails
Cleaning and sealing
- Clean with a deck cleaner and soft brush
- Seal or stain every 1 to 3 years depending on product and sun exposure
- Test: if water soaks in instead of beading, it's time
Siding and trim
Look for peeling paint, cracked caulk and soft trim around windows and doors. Scrape, prime and touch up small areas before water gets in.
General maintenance information. Follow your equipment manuals and local codes, and hire licensed professionals for gas, electrical, roofing and other hazardous work. Home Maintenance Kings isn't paid by any brand or contractor.