Decks have become an extremely popular, low-cost way to add living space to a home. Decks make it convenient to enjoy sitting outside day or night. They open up the home and facilitate entertaining and outdoor dining. Yet, decks are also subject to the damaging effects of weather. As such, deck maintenance is critical to prevent discoloration caused by dirt, moss, algae, and other plants. These deck enemies tear apart the surface of the wood. Splinters form, creating a rougher surface that is even more inviting to dirt and plants. Before long, you have a dingy deck that’s treacherous when wet and riddled with splinters.
4 Easy Basic Deck Maintenance Tips
1. Inspect and Prepare the Deck
As part of your deck maintenance, you should inspect your deck every year or two. Check especially for any loose boards or protruding nails that need repair. Look for worn or uneven spots and especially mold and mildew. I like to do this both in the fall as we are putting away the furniture for the year, and in the spring when we are getting ready to use the deck for the first time. A good sweeping with an occasional power wash can go along way to clear out he leaves and dirt that accumulate over the season.
2. Clean the Deck
Before you can apply sealant, you must thoroughly clean the deck of all dirt and build-up. Debris clogging the spaces between deck boards should first be blasted out with a powerful nozzle on a garden hose or a power washer. Products with a base of non-chlorine bleach base or oxalic acid are used to eliminate discoloration and stains. Bleach-based products eliminate mildew, while acid-based materials handle graying and stains. But, be aware that bleach used to kill mildew can also leave a surface drab and washed-out. For these problems, an acid-based deck restoration product should be used. The solutions can usually be brushed onto the deck using a broom or it can be sprayed on with a power washer under low pressure. In general, the more powerful the chemical, the less scrubbing will be necessary. Scrubbing can be done by hand using a basic scrub brush or a push broom. After waiting the directed length of time for the chemicals to do their work, thoroughly rinse the deck. High-powered jets can be helpful, but too much pressure can gouge wood or cause the grain to become exaggerated.
3. Paint or Stain the Deck
Though some people choose to paint their decks with deck paint, most take advantage of the natural beauty of expensive decking woods by using a clear or lightly stained finish for their deck. If you do choose to paint, use a stain-blocking oil or alkyd primer first. In general, the best finishes are those that soak into the wood, not those that provide a surface film. A heavily pigmented, solid stain isn’t really recommended for decking because it shows wear patterns and may peel. You want something that really soaks in.
There are three important characteristics to look for in a finish:
The finish should be water repellent or waterproof, not just “water resistant.”
The finish should offer ultraviolet (UV) protection.
If mildew is a potential problem, the finish should contain a mildewcide, which a wood preservative does
4. Seal the Deck
Once the area is dry, you must seal the deck. The level of protection needed depends in part on how you are going to apply the sealant. Sealant can be brushed on, rolled on with a paint roller, or sprayed on.
Sealants come in either water- or oil-based formulas. Professional sealants, which are typically superior, are oil-based. Some contain stain to tint the color of the deck. Sealants with stain don’t always deliver a uniform color across the wood, so try it first in an out-of-the-way spot to make sure the results match your expectations. A good quality sealant will also contain ultraviolet sunlight protection to reduce the damaging effects of the sun.
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