There is nothing worse for your wooden decking than the realisation that you have a termite infestation! The addition of outside decking can add curb appeal to your property, increasing its value, not only this, but it can improve the way you feel about your home and provide a wonderful space for entertaining guests, and relaxing during a warm summer’s evening. Unfortunately, termites can ruin all of these possibilities once they start eating away at the wood.

This blog will help provide you with a few tips and tricks for protecting your wooden decking, improving its appearance and lifespan. 

 

How to protect a wooden deck from termites?

 

Keep your decking dry 

Living in the UK with its ever changing weather conditions can wreak havoc on our outdoor furniture and wooden decking. Termites thrive in moist conditions, therefore by keeping your decking dry it will make for an unfavourable living environment for them. Keeping your deck dry can also help maintain the paintwork and overall strength of the structure itself.

Pergolas can be a great way to keep your decking dry, as well as taking the entire look and feel of your garden to the next level. You can pair your pergola with a plastic sheet for added protection. Canvas covers or adjustable canopies can be a more cost effective way to completely cover your wooden decking, protecting it from the elements.

 

Keep your decking maintained

By doing regular deck maintenance and cleaning your decking, you can check for any cracks or damages which will make for the perfect entryway for termites to begin their infestation. Address any cracks in your decking as soon as you notice them.

 

Protect your decking

Osmo Decking Oil is a premium grade decking treatment that is formulated to protect, enhance and maintain softwood decking boards. Once applied and if desired, it can be over-coated with a single coat of Osmo Anti Slip Decking Oil 430 for additional slip resistance. 

Deck Tape completely protects and seals your new or existing deck frame, protecting from water rot, moisture rot and frame weathering. 

 

Use harmless pesticides 

Non-toxic or harmless pesticide sprays offer a fantastic way of quickly preventing a termite infestation materialising. When purchasing pesticides, ensure that they are suitable for the type of wood your deck has been built from, and also take care using these sprays around pets.

 

Hire a professional

You can take away any hard work for yourself by hiring a professional to do the work for you. They will not only get the job done quickly and efficiently, but also know the best solutions when choosing and applying the pesticides.

 

Use composite decking

Composite decking is a popular choice for modern houses, the combination of wood fibre and plastic is inedible to termites and also requires less maintenance than wood. It can also be a cheaper way to achieve the wooden look you desire for your home.

 

Get in touch for any type of decking 

Thankfully, termites are quite rare in the UK, however, they are still a threat that can cause costly damage to your wooden decking. Here at Linnell Bros we can provide you with custom wooden or composite decking to improve the overall look and feel of your outside space. For more information give us a call on 01327 354 422 or email us on info@linnellbros.co.uk. Alternatively, complete the contact form on our website and we will be in touch at a time to suit you.