The deck is a relaxation hotspot and the pride of any home. Besides additional living space, it boosts the value of your property. But the simple fact is it stays outdoors for its entire lifetime, exposed to all kinds of weather conditions. It particularly receives abuse from harsh conditions like frigid winters and torrential rains.
Over time, this can cause significant damage with costly repairs to maintain its functionality. The good thing is you can buffer yourself from these big-budget overhauls through proper deck maintenance.
Looking for ways to restore your tired and unsightly deck? You’ve come to the right place! keeping your deck in good condition with the following tips.
Deck Maintenance Tips
Wash The Deck
A dirty deck provides a breeding environment for mould and mildew and can result in rotting. This is most common with timber decks. You should comprehensively clean your deck twice a year. Any time between fall, spring, and summer is perfect.
Start by clearing loose debris before sweeping the deck. The next step requires a cleaner that matches your deck material. For instance, standard deck cleaners work best for timber decks. Similarly, composite decks require their specified cleaners, with various options such as vinegar solutions. Vinyl and PVC decks are less demanding, with the only need for warm water. If you have a garden nearby, it’s recommended to use a non-toxic cleaner to conserve your greenery.
The deck is a relaxation hotspot and the pride of any home. Besides additional living space, it boosts the value of your property.
Apply A Sealant
Once you are done cleaning your deck, it’s time to apply a sealant. Depending on the level of volcanic organic compounds, sealants can be toxic to the immediate environment. Therefore, cover the air conditioners, plants and flowers, and any other susceptible items using tarps. The method of sealant application further determines the level of protection required. You can always use a roller, brush, or spray. The first two take longer during the application, but they are certainly better regarding ease of control.
Typically, sealants come in two varieties, water-based and oil-based. Water-based sealants are more effortful than their oil counterparts but boast unmatched durability. Oil-based sealants are effortless to apply and take less time, but you should be prepared to reapply them sooner. A tinted sealer can be eye-catching and appealing, but it fades quicker than a clear sealer. Depending on your choice, it may offer special protection from UV radiation by acting as a barrier between the wood and the rays. This minimises cracks and splits and extends the vibrance of the finish for longer.
Keep in mind that it’s advisable to seal your deck every two years or sooner if possible. This safeguards it from rain, dew, and shrinking because of the sun. Due to consistent expansion and shrinking, an unsealed deck deforms and turns grey.
Deck Restoration
It’s best not to ignore your deck maintenance duties, as it will cost you more effort, time, and money for a complete makeover. This doesn’t necessarily mean removing the decking material for a new installation. Still, it’s a nerve-racking process that’s more detailed than regular deck cleaning. During the process, the regular cleaner is replaced by the decking restorer.
Start the restoration process with cleaning. Like before, sweep the deck first, ensuring it’s sparkling clean and there is no dirt to apply the restorer. Any patio that needs restoration is infested with algae, mildew, moss, and other foreign organisms. That said, it’s best to utilise fungicides and insecticides before clearing the debris.
Refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines and scrub in detail for optimum results. When done cleaning, utilise a brush to apply the restorer. Based on the selected brand, the restorer will dry in the next three to eight hours. After complete drying, wash the deck with a hose to apply the sealant. Some professionals recommend waiting for at least forty-eight hours before the sealant application.
Typically, sealants come in two varieties, water-based and oil-based. Water-based sealants are more effortful than their oil counterparts but boast unmatched durability. Oil-based sealants are effortless to apply and take less time, but you should be prepared to reapply them sooner
Wrapping Up
A well-kept deck needs detailed cleaning twice annually, preferably in spring as you prepare to get into summer and secondly during autumn just before the snowflakes hit. Also, ensure you give your property the ultimate protection from weather elements. This fosters a durable and charming deck for years to come. An alternative is to transfer all this work to deck professionals, saving you time and effort!
