Is your deck ready for summer? What you need to know, according to Westchester 'Handyman'

Warmer air means time spent outdoors. You're poised to be a super host this summer. From Father's Day barbecues to graduation parties, the lawn is mowed and you've got the grill — but is your deck ready?

Seasonal change can affect wood decks, from heat and humidity, winter's freezing to spring’s thaw. Keeping a deck in shape matters not only for the time you enjoy it but when putting the home back on the market.

Routine preventative maintenance is important, said Andy Chmiel, co-owner of Mr. Handyman of Westchester County. That can include having a deck power-washed every couple of years, or every year.

"Once we power-wash it, some things come out: Like rot." He said. "You don’t see it because it's painted over; then you power-wash and all of a sudden you see, oh, this board needs to be changed."

We asked Chmiel how to prep your deck for summer, read on for his advice.

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What you need to know about deck maintenance

Resealing/staining a deck is good to do perhaps every other year — don't overdo it by resealing every year.

According to Mr. Handyman of Westchester County's website, regularly move deck furniture and planters around. That can reduce uneven wear of wood, especially in areas where water dripping from planters may have faded part of the deck more than others.

There are decks made of synthetic materials that require less maintenance, but tend to cost more up front. It doesn’t rot, but every few years it should be power-washed, Chmiel said.

But for decks that require maintenance, here's what to keep an eye on, according to Chmiel and a tip list on the Mr. Handyman of Westchester County website:

? Examine deck furniture for “stains, flaws, dents, and chipping,” which can seem cosmetic but can indicate problems such as mold, rot and other water damage, the Mr. Handyman website said. Warm water and soap or sanding can remove most stains, but dents and chips could require replacement.

“The problem with rot is on the surface it looks like maybe it’s not a big deal, but once you start dodging it, a lot of times it becomes a much bigger issue,” Chmiel said.

? Repair damaged deck planks — weather, rotten wood, wear, and varying temperature cause this. Don't step on broken planks.

? Check for exposed nails or screws to see if there’s rust or corrosion. If so, replace, as it can lessen a nail’s ability to hold onto wood.

? Look for signs of loosened connections on deck railings. Grab and shake them, and if the fasteners come loose they need repair. This could be due to a loose screw or nail, or it could be due to wood rot. Check railings that may be a safety worry once more to ensure that you, your family, and guests can enjoy your deck safely.

Michael McKinney covers growth and development in Westchester County and the Lower Hudson Valley for The Journal News/lohud.com and the USA Today Network.

This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Deck rot repair, sealing and more tips from a NY expert