Nuts and bolts: Fix your deck
Published 4:48 pm Wednesday, June 4, 2008
If your burger hits the deck will your patio stand up to the five-second rule? Moldex Brands offers these tips for a clean, safe deck.
Stress test: Check structural supports for signs of decay or insects — rotting, sagging, splitting or swaying. If you can easily penetrate the wood a half-inch or more with a sharp object, or if the wood feels soft and spongy, it may have to be replaced. Small holes in the wood might indicate insects.
Don’t collapse: Nails, screws and anchors are susceptible to rust. Make sure replacement fasteners are galvanized. Hammer down popped up nails, or pull them out and drive in screws at least as long as the nails. Screws are stronger.
Water torture: Pour a small amount of water onto the deck to determine if it requires sealing. If the water beads up, sealant is still working. If it is absorbed, a new coat is definitely in order. Select a sealant or stain that will repel water, prevent fading and protect against harmful UV rays.
Clean thoroughly: Wash every surface and use a flat tool to remove debris between deck boards. Once a year, give the deck a power wash.
Mold and mildew: Chlorine can corrode fasteners and harm tender plants. Use a professional grade mildewstat and fungicide like Moldex® Deck! Cleaner (www.moldexbrands.com) to prevent dark spots, discoloring and decay.
Missing links: Check to see if your deck is bolted or screwed to the side of the building structure. Nails are not enough. Also make sure railings aren’t wobbly.
Garden intruders: National Wildlife Refuge System spent more than $11 million during the past year fighting invasive plants. Invasive species can be introduced accidentally or intentionally. They can overtake native species and sometimes cause their extinction. A few things you can do:
Use native plants when possible.
Ask local nurseries to start carrying more native plants. Search online for a local native plant society.
Consider native wildflowers that can rival ornamentals in beauty and color; their nectar is also an important food source for honeybees, butterflies and hummingbirds.
Remove weeds before transplanting potted plants.
Remove the entire plant when removing weeds and dispose carefully so seeds and roots aren’t carried to new places..
Call the Everett extension office for information on plants at 425-357-6010, or contact the Washington Native Plant Society at 888-288-8022 or online www.wnps.org
Herald staff and news services
