Time to remove all traces of Hurricane Irene from your deck!

Time to remove debris  – leaves, pine straw, twigs – and dirt!  While we here in Eastern North Carolina are working to clear our backyards from trees, tree limbs and other Hurricane Irene debris, we need to remember that the  surface of a backyard deck can easily get coated with falling leaves and other debris. These items should be removed from the deck.  If left over the winter, they rot and decay which can be harmful to the wood underneath and can also be the source of staining.  This debris can also block up the gaps between deck boards, causing water to pool on the deck surface. Running a small screwdriver along the gaps is a good way to remove that debris and ensure you have proper drainage and ventilation.  Also consider removing pots and planters from the deck and cleaning under them as lots of dirt and grime can accumulate on the deck surface from the drainage holes in the planters.

Advertisement