Porches and decks take a beating. They are exposed to all sorts of weather conditions, including heavy winds, sleet, rain, snow, and even algae and mildew. While all of these things can be devastating in terms of damage, many people don’t realize that the roof they have invested in is just as important when it comes to protecting their homes. With the right kind of maintenance, you can get the price low on your roof and increase the value of your home, too.

One of the main things to remember about decks and porches maintenance is ensuring that they are adequately protected. No matter what kind of material your deck or porch is made out of, there is going to be joists, rafters, timbers, nails, screws, and more that can get in the way of your plans. One of the most damaging kinds of damage for decks and porches is to have nails, screws, or other pieces get stuck under the boards of your deck or porch patio. Nails and screws can break off and then become embedded into the wood, which can severely compromise the integrity of your roof and cause further damage.

To prevent this problem, screened porches need to be attended to every few weeks. If you have vinyl decking, a quick snip of the string tied to your skirting board will usually suffice. For wooden decks, however, it’s best to call in a professional to take care of this chore. Remember that wood is extremely susceptible to moisture so using your skirting board too often without covering it up can quickly damage your screens.

There are a variety of ways to ensure that your decks and porches get proper protection. If your homeowner’s manual offers some idea of how to maintain your screens, take advantage of that information and use it as a guide. You can also get price quotes on products at various home improvement centers in your neighborhood and online at major home improvement stores.

There are some precautions that you can take when cleaning your deck or screened porch. Always remember that wood needs to be left to dry after a rain or use, so standing water could become a breeding ground for mildew and mold. Use a sponge rather than a brush to scrub down your screens. Don’t use steel wool or aluminum scouring pads because these can scratch the surface of your decking. And never spray your screens with any kind of cleaning product unless you’re certain that it’s approved for use on wood surfaces.

In addition to preventing damage from moisture, you can also extend the life of your screens by taking a few simple steps. When winter comes and it’s time to give your roof a thorough cleaning, don’t forget to cover your wooden decking and porches. Most homeowner’s manuals will recommend against painting your roofs, but if you must, choose a color that won’t be damaged by the harsh rays of the sun. If you have an asphalt shingle roof, lay a light covering over the top of the shingles to protect it, and give us a call when you’re done.

When you give your decks and porches a thorough cleaning and protection treatment, you’ll find that there’s less likely of a need to clean them again for several years. Of course, there are always those rainy, snowy, or bright days that threaten to bring you back to reality and give you a case of the blues. And when it comes to protecting your family from harmful ultraviolet rays, you may want to consider a sunscreen that’s specifically designed for the purpose of protecting your decks and porches from sunlight. You can also use sunscreen to give your screened-in porch a quick cover up during the spring and summer months, before putting away your picnic lunch. Just remember that it’s a good idea to apply sunscreen to your porches and decks at least an inch away from the surfaces; if you fail to do so, you’ll be left with a case of yellow streaks.

For some homeowners, roof decks can pose a real problem, as they can be subject to constant damage from high winds and storms, as well as from fires. In this case, it might be more economical to get a professional roofing contractor to inspect your roof decks and perform a thorough repair job. And even if you opt to perform the repair job yourself, remember to pick a tough replacement product to avoid having to face the same problem a second time around. Get a good contractor and a durable yet affordable composite decking material to get your outdoor living area looking great and lasting a long time.