With warmer weather already upon us, many families will be spending their time outdoors. Even though summer has officially started, it's not too late to get your outdoor space ready for a summer of fun at home.
According to Jeff Bell, president of the Silicon Valley Association of REALTORS®, websites like HouseLogic.com can provide tips, home improvement advice and how-to's that can inspire homeowners and help them maintain and enhance their home's value.
"When you invest in your future through homeownership, the possibilities are endless, and HouseLogic can help both new and seasoned homeowners take full advantage of the opportunities that owning a home offers to people," Bell says.
For homeowners who have a deck, proper maintenance can keep this asset safe and looking great. HouseLogic recommends a few simple steps to keep your deck safe, sound, and looking great. First, give your deck's structure a close inspection for rotting or cracked boards. Pound in any protruding nails and cut back nearby trees or bushes to prevent mold and rotting. Then thoroughly sweep and wash the deck; after it's completely dry follow up with a sealer or stain.
HouseLogic provides this simple deck maintenance schedule:
1. Late spring: Wash the deck
Aside from general dinginess, one of the sure signs a deck needs washing is a film of mold and grunge. Mold and dirt can trap moisture and cause rot.
2. Late spring: Seal the deck
Check if your deck needs to be resealed; the finish on your deck may be gone. Splash some water onto the deck. If the water soaks in, it's time to wash and reseal your deck.
3. Midsummer: Inspect and repair your deck
The best time to inspect your deck is when the weather is warm and dry. Pay particular attention to any areas within six inches of the ground or close to sources of water, such as downspouts and planters. Look for signs of rot by probing posts with a flat-blade screwdriver. If you can push the screwdriver a quarter-inch or more into a suspect area, you probably have rot.
4. Early fall: Preventive measures
If the decking was nailed, you'll likely find some nail heads popping out. A short-term solution is simply to pound them back in using a hammer and a thick nail set. For a longer lasting solution, pull out each protruding nail and drive in a deck screw slightly longer than the nail. To slow mold, moss, and rot, keep nearby bushes and trees cut back and don't let leaves and other debris pile up in corners.
For complete information about deck maintenance and repair, visit http://www.houselogic.com/articles/care-and-maintenance-your-deck/.
The Silicon Valley Association of REALTORS® (SILVAR) is a professional trade organization representing over 4,000 REALTORS® and Affiliate members engaged in the real estate business on the Peninsula and in the South Bay. SILVAR promotes the highest ethical standards of real estate practice, serves as an advocate for homeownership and homeowners, and represents the interests of property owners in Silicon Valley.
The term "REALTOR®" is a registered collective membership mark which identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® and who subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics.
Variations of this article have appeared in local area newspapers.
For further information, please email or call the SILVAR office at (408) 200-0100.