Good reminder about the ledger board—it's easy to overlook. I usually do a quick visual check each spring, but honestly, I haven't been as thorough underneath as I probably should be. Last year, I found some rot near the stairs that looked perfectly fine from above. Makes me wonder if anyone here has tried sealing or treating the underside of their deck to prevent moisture buildup...worth the effort or not really necessary?
I've actually sealed the underside of my deck before—mostly because I had leftover eco-friendly sealant from another project. Honestly, it wasn't too hard: cleaned it first, let it dry, then brushed on the sealant. Seems to help with moisture, but jury's still out on long-term effectiveness...
Good call on sealing underneath—most folks skip that step. Did you notice any difference with insects or mold afterward? I've debated doing mine, but wasn't sure if it'd really make a noticeable impact long-term...
Definitely agree sealing underneath is beneficial—it's not just about insects or mold, though I did notice fewer spiders and less mildew buildup afterward. More importantly, sealing helps prevent moisture penetration, which protects structural integrity long-term...worth the extra effort in my experience.
Yeah, sealing underneath definitely helps a lot. I've seen decks that weren't sealed properly underneath, and you'd be surprised how quickly moisture can start causing issues. Even treated lumber isn't bulletproof—over time, moisture seeps in, and before you know it, you're dealing with warped boards or even rot in the joists.
One thing I'd add is that sealing isn't a one-and-done deal. Depending on your climate, it's worth checking every couple of years to see if it needs a fresh coat. I usually recommend clients do a quick inspection at least once a year—just a casual look-over for loose boards, rusty fasteners, or signs of water damage. Doesn't take long, and catching small issues early saves a ton of headaches down the road.
Funny enough, spiders seem to love decks that aren't sealed underneath. Had a client once who joked that sealing underneath was the best pest control he'd ever done...guess spiders prefer damp, dark spaces.
