Having a nice deck is a real status symbol in any neighborhood. However, a deck can quickly turn into an eyesore if it isn’t properly cared for. Weather damage and just general wear and tear can all lead to a deck that looks run down. There are a lot of things you can do to help establish a good deck maintenance regimen that will keep your deck looking its best for years to come.
As is the case with most maintenance tasks, proper deck maintenance starts with cleaning. The question is what exactly is the best way to clean a deck? There are lots of different ways to go about it. You could break out a bucket and scrub brush and do the whole thing by hand, or you could use a pressure washer to speed up the job. You’ve also go to choose what kind of cleaner to use.
Ultimately, there is no one single answer that is best for every deck out there. However, one big concern is that a pressure washer may be too harsh for many types of wood. If you are going to go the pressure washer route, then you want to choose a relatively low powered model or you could end up totally destroying the texture of your deck. You’re probably better off just not risking it. It may be slow, but doing it by hand is the safest path to good deck maintenance.
Most modern deck cleaning products are both effective and safe for the deck and the environment. Just be sure to avoid cleaners that are heavy on bleach as they can remove the color from the wood or even harm nearby plants. While you’re cleaning the deck, another point of deck maintenance you can take care of is sanding down and part of the wood that is jutting out so that the deck’s surface is smooth and uniform.
Once you start cleaning your deck, make sure that you’re thorough. There’s not much point to cleaning if you’re just going to barely scrub the surface. Pay special attention to the crevices between the planks that make up your deck. Debris such as fallen leaves can get inside these crevices and lead to mold problems down the road. Use whatever tool you have at hand to make sure that you completely clean these areas of your deck.
In order to fully protect your deck against the elements, you need to apply a sealant. Sealants prevent moisture from getting into the wood, which helps to prevent them from getting fungal infestations that can destroy them. In addition, sealants can also protect the deck from the sun’s rays, which can cause the wood to become bleached. It’s especially vital to give your deck a thorough cleaning before applying sealant, because you don’t want to seal in any dirt or debris. Note that the wood will only soak up the sealant when it’s dry, so find a nice clear day to perform this part of the deck maintenance procedure.
Photo Credits: sgtgary
Originally posted 2009-09-20 03:25:29. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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