Archive for the ‘FAQs’ Category
Awnings for Decks
August 3, 2011
What are my options for sun shade on my deck?
To fully enjoy your new deck, you’re smart to consider options for shade on sunny days. Pergolas are an attractive accent; they add design interest to your yard, especially when grown over with floral vines, while providing welcome relief from the hot rays. Awnings are another popular alternative, and they’re making a big comeback, with many fabric varieties available in electric-motor and hand-crank models. Id neither of those appeals to you, a gazebo securely installed on the deck surface is a fine option, and one that offers the additional benefit of screening to provide freedom from mosquitos on cool evenings.
The photo’s from our gallery illustrate just a few of the possibilities
I’ve heard that composite deck material is prone to permanent stains, is this true?
May 23, 2011
The flipside of the fact that composite decking doesn’t need to be stained is that it can’t be resurfaced or (intentionally) stained like pressure treated or cedar decks can. If you spill grease, paint or red wine on your composite deck, be sure to clean it immediately, as there’s no easy way to remove or fix stain spots on composite material. Visit our composite deck page for more information.
I’ve heard my deck lasts longer if it’s allowed to dry quicker after it gets wet, is this true?
May 16, 2011
Yes – a deck that dries after wetting will last longer than one that stays damp. Good maintenance practices for cedar decks include allowing proper water drainage; keeping the surface free of dirt, leaves, pine-needles and other debris; and moving planters, benches and other deck accessories from time to time to permit the deck beneath them to dry thoroughly. Please visit our deck material page for further information on the proper care and maintenance of all decking materials we install.
Will composite deck material fade?
May 9, 2011
This varies by material, but in general the answer is yes, composite decking will fade initially. Over the first ninety days of your composite deck’s exposure to the UV rays from the sun, a slight fading process will occur with many brands. This will change the colour of the deck, giving it a more natural “weathered” look. Once the initial weathering process has occurred, composite decking is remarkably resistant to further fading. Low grade composite deck material, however, is susceptible to higher levels of fading over longer periods of time, often turning a greyish or pinkish colour. Visit our composite deck page for more information.
When should I first stain or treat my new pressure treated wood deck?
May 2, 2011
You should wait at least one month after the construction of your pressure treated wood deck to apply its first coat of stain or sealant, and in certain cases up to two or three months. Visit our page dedicated to pressure treated wood decks for further information.
How do I maintain my composite deck?
April 25, 2011
Compared with its natural alternatives, composite decking requires very little in terms of upkeep and maintenance. The most important maintenance measure you can take is to sweep your composite deck.
Can I power wash my cedar deck?
April 18, 2011
While you can power wash your deck, we don’t recommend it. It’s very difficult to find the right amount of pressure to apply to a cedar deck, and the amount of time saved by using a pressure washer likely won’t make up for the damage you risk doing to your deck by stripping or damaging it with too much pressure. Visit our page on cedar decks for more information.
I’ve heard these chemicals in pressure treated lumber are dangerous, is this true?
April 11, 2011
Up until 2003 pressure treated wood was manufactured using a chromated copper arsenic (CCA) treatment process, which raised certain health concerns. Due to these health concerns, pressure treated wood manufacturers have phased out the CCA process. For more information, click here to read Health Canada’s assessment of CCA. Since 2003, pressure treated wood has been manufactured using an alkaline copper quaternary (ACQ) treatment process, which has been approved as safe for humans and animals. Due to its treatment, however, pressure treated lumber should never be burned. Visit our Pressure Treated Deck page for more information.
I’ve heard that composite decks can have mold and mildew problems, is this true?
April 4, 2011
Yes and no. Older composite decking materials (e.g. manufactured in the late 90’s) were especially vulnerable to mold and mildew development. Improvements in manufacturing have largely eliminated these problems, though poor deck construction can still contribute to them. Mold and mildew is most likely to occur in areas where water collects and pools for extended periods of time on the composite material. Composite decks should be constructed with a slight tilt away from the home into the yard, allowing for proper water run-off and drainage. The amount of tilt varies per deck, but the keyword here is slight – the tilt should be invisible to the naked eye. Visit our composite deck page for more information on the proper construction and maintenance of composite decks in our Ottawa, ON climate.
Does anything void manufacturer’s warranties on composite wood?
March 28, 2011
Buyer beware: manufacturer warranties only apply if the contractor that installs the composite deck builds in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines. The bottom line is that if your composite decking is installed incorrectly, your warranty is voided, so be sure to choose your contractor carefully. Gillespie Decks guarantees that all synthetic decking installed meets its manufacturer’s installation guidelines. For more information please visit our page about composite decks.
