Is your deck ready for summer and grilling season?
Well, it’s here – the unofficial start of Summer (and grilling season). Is your deck ready?
Here are 8 ways to make sure that deck is ready:
- Look for split or decaying wood
- Inspect the ledger
- Tighten loose fasteners
- Examine the stairs
- Check the railings
- Give it a good cleaning
- Grills, fire pits, chimneys, heaters and candles
- Trim nearby bushes and trees
Here is a bit more info:
- Decaying wood - can be found by using a screwdriver to push structural members - if it moves 1/4 “ you probably have root rot.
- The ledger - the piece of framing that attaches the deck to the house. The ledger should be attached with lag screws - not just nails and the flashing that prevents moisture from getting behind the siding should be free of rust and holes.
- Tighten loose fasteners - and pound in any nails that have popped up.
- Examine the stairs - pay close attention to where the stringers (the saw-notched pieces that support the steps) meet the ground.
- Check the railings - Give it a good shake to make sure posts are not loose or damaged. Secure loose connections with galvanized lag screws.
- Clean away any leaves and debris, since these can be slippery and promote mildew. Wood decks should be sealed every 1-2 years to maintain the finishes.
- Make sure any sources of fire or heat are safely placed away from flammable surfaces.
- Trim nearby bushes and trees - if your deck has overhanging trees, make sure there’s no danger of decaying limbs breaking free and falling onto the deck.
Need a home inspector or contractor to help?
Give us a call.
224- 650-7748
Enjoy your deck!
We gathered with some VIP’s at Thrown Elements to create pottery! Such fun. Thrown Elements is in Arlington Heights - go visit them and owner Andi Ruhl and get your creative on too! Thanks to Chris Weis from Greenstate Mortgage for our snacks.
Around Town
West Fest - on the grounds of Maine West High School - June 6-9
Taste of Des Plaines - 6/14 - 6/15
Des Plaines Fireworks - 6/30 at Oakton College
Team doings in May!
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