Seasonal Care
Get Your Deck and Fence Ready Before Winter
Winter in the Tennessee Valley is hard on wood. Months of damp weather, leaf litter, and freeze-thaw swings give rot and mildew everything they need. A little attention in the fall keeps your deck and fence sound until spring.
Clear the organic buildup
Leaves piled in corners and between boards trap moisture directly against the wood. That constant dampness is what feeds mildew and starts soft rot. A professional cleaning removes the growth you can see and the spores you can't, and it restores traction on slick, algae-coated deck boards — a real slip hazard in wet months.
Seal while the wood is clean and dry
Cleaning opens the perfect window to reseal or restain. Sealer applied over dirt or mildew won't bond properly, so the order matters: clean first, let the wood dry, then seal. A good sealer keeps winter rain on the surface instead of soaking into the grain.
A quick homeowner checklist
- Sweep leaves and debris off boards and out from between gaps.
- Check for soft spots, popped nails, and loose rails before ice and guests arrive.
- Redirect sprinklers and fix dripping spigots that keep one section wet.
- Move planters and furniture occasionally so moisture doesn't get trapped underneath.
- Schedule a professional wash in the fall, then seal once dry.
Not sure if your deck needs it?
If water no longer beads on the surface, or boards look dark and feel slick, it's time. We give free on-site estimates and will tell you honestly whether your deck needs a full service or just a light maintenance wash.