How To Prepare Your Deck For The Rainy Season

The rainy season is a sign that you no longer get to use your deck as often as you would like. You might think that since you had a lot of fun in the sun when the weather was nice, you can pick up your outdoor furniture and ignore your deck until warm weather rolls around once again. Unfortunately, this isn’t true.

While your deck is sturdy and can withstand a lot of adverse weather conditions, water can harm the surface. That’s why you need to take the time to prepare your deck for this time of year. Below are the steps for how to prepare a deck for rain.‍

Step 1: Inspect Your Deck‍

Before the rainy season arrives, take the time to inspect your deck for any damage. You might think that rust discoloration or small cracks aren’t a big deal, but they are. Cracks allow water to get into the wood, where it can rot it from the inside out. Rust discoloration might be a sign of rot already occurring. Taking care of these issues as soon as possible can extend the life of your deck.‍

Step 2: Make Needed Deck Repairs

If you’ve noticed cracks, discoloration, rotting wood, or that water pools in certain areas on your deck, then you need to get these things fixed. Sealing cracks will help, but you may also need a professional to re-level or replace any boards that are rotting or show signs of other damage.

During this process, you might consider getting your entire deck replaced, especially if the vast majority of the boards are showing signs of wear or other damage. If the deck is several years old, then getting it replaced will ensure it’s up to code and will keep everyone safe during the rainy season and beyond.‍

Step 3: Seal Your Deck

When it comes to how to prepare a deck for rain, one of the most important things you can do is add a sealer. This will ensure that the water can’t penetrate the wood and cause problems. Not only should you be adding a sealer to your deck before the rainy season, but this is also important if you have plants on your deck.

Water from the plant can overflow and get onto the surface of your deck, where it can cause issues, but it can also get trapped under the pot. If this happens, it could lead to wood rot and other problems. Thus, if you want to know how to protect the deck from planters, then consider adding a sealer that will protect your deck from all kinds of moisture and other weather elements that get thrown its way.‍

Work with a Professional

Preparing your deck for the rainy season takes effort and time. To ensure that it’s done right and to save you the hassle, you might consider calling in a professional. They’ll be able to take care of all the steps on this list in a timely, cost-effective manner. When you call in a professional, you’ll know that your deck has been adequately prepared and will be able to stand up to any moisture that gets onto the surface, whether from rain or plants.