Get matched with top deck maintenance specialists in Susanville, CA

While the terms deck and porch are often used interchangeably, they are two distinct home features. Porches offer a roof that protects from the elements when coming and going from the house. Generally, porches are on the front of your home. On the other hand, decks are generally built in the backyard of a home and offer no roof or protection from the elements, like rain or snow. Porches typically require less maintenance and upkeep thanks to the roof, but both features require regular cleaning and repairs to maintain good condition.

It is possible to repair wet, rotted wood, but it depends on the extent of the damage. If the wood is severely decayed, it may be necessary to replace the affected sections entirely. However, if the rot is relatively minor, you can attempt to repair it. Start by removing any wet or decayed wood, allowing the area to dry thoroughly. Then, you can apply a wood hardener or consolidant to strengthen the remaining wood fibers. Finally, use epoxy wood fillers to fill in the damaged areas, shaping and sanding them to match the original wood surface.

Any wood deck provides some ventilation to the area below, as is the nature of that type of deck design. However, areas that experience excessive humidity and associated moisture benefit greatly from a dedicated ventilation system in the form of strip vents. This addition helps the various wood boards contract and expand evenly throughout the years and reduces the chances of twisting, warping, and buckling.

With proper maintenance, the average life span of a screened-in porch is six to eight years for the screens themselves, but the foundation and structure can last for 50 to 100 years. To keep your screened-in porch in good shape, clean your porch screens regularly, patch holes, re-seal the wood as needed, and address any foundational issues right away.