A Common Concern: My fence posts are all cracking and splitting!

The above quote is a common concern among new fence owners, no matter what the brand. This “cracking” and “splitting” is actually a natural process of wood— which results from the natural seasoning (drying out) of any full round piece of timber.

Simply put, when a full round timber dries, the exterior surface, or sapwood, shrinks faster than the heartwood, or center of the tree, and something has to give. The fibers separate across the growth rings and the result is the familiar “split” which is acceptable under the grading rules of lumber, unless the condition is excessive.

When wood separates along the growth rings, it is called a shake. Like splits, shakes are accepted under the grading rules, unless the condition is excessive.

Winterizing Your Deck

Once it gets too chilly for outdoor relaxing on the deck, it’s time to think about preparing your biggest backyard asset for winter. Many people think about trimming, pruning and mulching their yards before winter, but don’t realize that investing a little time on the deck will make a difference in how it looks and performs when the weather turns warm again. Here are a few tips for winterizing your deck:

• Remove Dirt and Debris– Sweep away all leaves, pine needles and branches and remove debris between deck boards to prevent standing water and the build-up of moisture.
• Eliminate Mildew– Mildew should be removed as soon as it appears. If it grows untreated, it will lead to additional damage. Commercial solutions are available at home improvement centers, but a simple solution can be made by combining 3 quarts water, 1 quart oxygen bleach and 1/4 cup ammonia-free liquid dishwasher detergent in a common garden sprayer. Apply the solution liberally to the deck and let soak 10-15 minutes, then rinse. For tougher mildew stains, apply the solution with a soft bristle brush.
• Pots and Planters– Setting pots and planters directly on the deck’s surface may cause staining. Consider moving planters from the deck or moving them around on a regular basis to decrease the effects.
• Snow Removal– When shoveling snow off your deck, run the shovel lengthwise on the deck boards to avoid scratching or cutting in to the wood. A plastic shovel is recommended. Avoid using salt or other ice melters as they may discolor or damage some deck finishes.

Follow these simple instructions and your deck will be ready for spring when you are! Plus, you will help your deck stay new looking longer season after season.

The white powdery or crystalline substance sometimes seen on pavers is efflorescence, a naturally occurring formation of salt deposits on the surface of most masonry products. It is formed by water, within the construction material, reacting with the natural salts contained within the material. The water dissolves the salts and they are carried to the surface by the natural evaporation that occurs when air comes into contact with the material. Normally, efflorescence occurs in new construction and often disappears with weathering and time. The salts can also be removed by scrubbing with a stiff dry brush.