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2 • FALL HOME & GARDEN • September 2019 • Conley Media Y ou can avoid big and expensive repairs to your deck by fi nding and repairing problems early. With good construction techniques and regular maintenance, your deck will withstand many more years of fun. • Start below your deck To start your yearly deck inspection, start below your deck. You will be looking for soft spots that indicate rot. If one area of your deck is in worse shape than the other, fi nd the source of the problem before attempting the repair. While you are down there, remove any leaves and debris that may have piled up as they may hold moisture and contribute to serious water damage. A major weak spot is the connection between the house and the deck. Pay extra attention to the fl ashing looking for water damage along the ledger. This is also a good spot to look for fungus and little piles of sawdust, which could indicate termites or carpenter ants. • Check the posts Especially at the ground line, probe various parts of the post comparing each side for levels of decay. Since posts often decay from the inside out, continue to assess the internal condition. Evaluate the post connection to the foundation and re-secure if needed. • Check the decking The easiest part of the inspection is checking the decking. Look at the area where boards meet because anywhere that wood touches wood is prone to rotting. Look at the ends of the boards and the butt joints. Check for moisture and mildew and tighten nails or screws in the decking. Look for signs of warping or twisting which would eventually need to be replaced. • Inspect the railings Railings take extra strain and are usually the fi rst to come loose. Look at the ends of all the rails for warping and replace broken spindles and post covers. Maintaining your railing will keep your deck looking nice and provide safety. CONTINUED ON PAGE 3 Prevent deck problems before they start 265387004 SIDING HOMZ Professional Home improvement Services Serving Wash.Co. & SE WI for over 25 years. Restore Your Home's Beauty SPECIALIZING IN • Siding • Windows • Doors & Trim • Soffit & Fascia • Gutter Covers • Repairs • Gutters FREE Estimates No Money Down (262) 327-2222 www.sidinghomz.com A+ Rating Walter's Carpet Gallery 2450 S. Main St. • West Bend • 338-8752 • 1-800-924-6720 Find us at www.walterscarpetgallery.com Store Hours: M-T-W-F 10-5; Th 10-7, Sat. 9-3 Beautifying Homes Since 1949 265191001 Anything Goes! is the only carpet guaranteed to look as beautiful years from now as it does today. It was built to endure the most stringent testing conducted on any carpet and is guaranteed to endure for years to come. Anything Goes! Warranty Anything Goes! boasts the strongest performance warranty in the industry. It's the only matting and crushing warranty to cover stairs and hallways. CHOOSE FROM A LARGE SELECTION OF STYLES & COLORS ON SALE FOR A LIMITED TIME The Great Fall Carpet Sale You Have Been Waiting For!

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