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The best way to sand a deck is by cleaning it, sanding the boards and stairs with 60- or 80-grit sandpaper, and sanding the railings and posts with 80-grit sandpaper. You should sand in the direction of the wood grain to avoid damaging the timber. When sanding your deck, use medium pressure and aim for an even sand. Pressing too hard with a sander can damage decks, as most are softwoods.

Generally, wood rot and dry rot are not covered by standard homeowners insurance policies because they are considered gradual, preventable damage resulting from poor maintenance or long-term moisture exposure. However, there can be exceptions. If the rot is the direct result of a sudden and accidental event that is covered by your policy, such as a burst pipe, storm, or flood, your insurance may cover at least a portion of the repairs. Coverage typically applies to the initial water damage, but the resulting rot may not always be included. Any fungal growth or rot that develops over a longer period, even after a covered incident, is unlikely to be covered. It is crucial to review your specific policy or consult your insurance provider to understand your coverage. If you live in an area prone to flooding, consider purchasing a separate flood insurance policy. Even if the repairs are an out-of-pocket expense, addressing rot promptly is essential to avoid further structural damage to your home.

Ipe wood can last up to 75 years with minimal maintenance because its own oils help to preserve it. However, to get the most out of your Ipe wood deck, you should perform some routine maintenance, including regular cleaning, sweeping of leaves and debris, and rinsing spills with a hose. It’s also important to repair any deep scratches as soon as you spot them and reseal the deck annually to protect against scratches and scuffs.

Log cabins are relatively difficult to maintain compared to a traditional house. That’s because log cabins require regular upkeep and care that can include refinishing and corncob blasting, a process similar to sandblasting that shoots ground-up corncob with compressed air.