ATLANTA DECK CONTRACTORS
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Pressure-treated wood and CCA
Because pressure-treated wood resists rot and insect infestation, it is commonly used for decks. Historically, most wood was pressure treated with chromate copper arsenate (CCA), which has an arsenic component. The industry has voluntarily stopped using CCA for residential applications. The EPA suggests that existing CCA-treated decks should be properly maintained and sealed. More information on CCA is available from the EPA at www.epa.gov or from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Consumer Hotline, 800-638-2772.
Construction
Post-and-beam. Many homeowners prefer a post-and-beam construction style, because the weight of the deck is supported by a wood-to-wood contact and not simply by fasteners. Additionally, many homeowners view the style as more aesthetically pleasing than other styles.
Building permits
Most counties require a building permit before any substantial change is made to the exterior of a home. Although getting a building permit is ultimately the homeowner's responsibility, many deck contractors will, usually for a fee, handle the process on the homeowner's behalf.
Maintaining decks
If a deck is to look its best over time, it must be sealed. Brand-new decks are usually allowed to cure for six to eight weeks of relatively dry weather before the initial sealing. Many deck installation contractors will take care of this initial sealing or advise the new owner to take care of it promptly. Periodic cleaning and sealing will keep the deck looking good for years to come and will help protect it from the following:
UV exposure. Decks are constantly exposed to the elements. Unfortunately, sunlight and its UV rays can fade or gray the beautiful, rich tones of decking wood. Sun damage is the worst enemy of a deck.
Moisture damage. For natural wood decks in particular, water from rain or dew can create problems. Water absorbed into the wood can wash out the wood color; increase the likelihood of wood rot; and make the wood susceptible to mold, mildew, and algae.
Stains due to normal use. A deck, like an indoor floor, is likely to be stained or discolored from normal use. However, because the deck is an exterior fixture, it is also prone to other stains, such as bird droppings and mildew. Candle wax poses a special threat to decks, because it is not removable; the only way to remove candle wax is to replace the wood. Deck cleaning addresses preexisting stains; moreover, a properly sealed deck will not absorb stains to the same extent that unsealed wood does.
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