Make Your Deck Look New Again With Proper Cleaning and Treating!
With summer quickly approaching, many of us are beginning to
roll out those barbeques and patio furniture to prepare for
the sun. Has your deck become discolored or even slimy with
moss? Follow these tips for proper cleaning and maintenance
to make your deck look new again.
Give your tired-looking deck a facelift sooner rather
than later. Wood that is left unprotected will soak up moisture,
which can lead to serious damage. Because decks are a horizontal
surface, they receive a lot of abuse from the weather and
may need to be cleaned and treated as often as once a year.
While many decks are built with more traditional woods like redwood or cedar, most are made of pressure-treated pine. Like the more expensive varieties, good pressure-treated wood won't rot, but does need to be treated regularly with ultra violet protectant sealers to avoid discoloration and to keep the surface free from rough spots and
splinters.
Regular deck maintenance consists of three basic steps – cleaning, repairing,
and sealing.
There are two basic ways to clean your deck. Your first option is
to purchase a chemical deck cleaning agent or wood
bleach from your local hardware store, and use a stiff bristle
broom or scrub brush to scrub the deck by hand. The second
method is to hire a professional to clean it for you using
a high-powered pressure washer. Pressure washing is typically
best left to the experienced hand, since if not done carefully,
pressure washing can easily lead to damaged wood or uneven
clean ‘marks’. Most homeowners find that they can usually
hire a professional to do the job for just a little bit more
than the cost of renting a power washer for the weekend.
The second step in preparing your deck for summer is to perform any needed repairs. Replace any rotting boards with new rot-resistant wood, and replace any loose nails with special decking nails or decking
screws.
The
final step is to seal and finish your deck. Your local paint
or hardware store can recommend the right product for your
specific deck, but look for a sealer that contains a water
sealer, a UV blocker, and an insecticide to keep wood-eating
bugs from damaging your deck. You can also choose a clear
product to maintain the natural color of your deck, or something
with a small amount of pigment to enhance your decks color.
Rather hire a professional for this job? Many homeowners find that, by the time they by all the materials and rent a pressure washer, they can hire a professional to do the work for just a little more.
With summer quickly approaching, many of us are beginning to
roll out those barbeques and patio furniture to prepare for
the sun. Has your deck become discolored or even slimy with
moss? Follow these tips for proper cleaning and maintenance
to make your deck look new again.
The
final step is to seal and finish your deck. Your local paint
or hardware store can recommend the right product for your
specific deck, but look for a sealer that contains a water
sealer, a UV blocker, and an insecticide to keep wood-eating
bugs from damaging your deck. You can also choose a clear
product to maintain the natural color of your deck, or something
with a small amount of pigment to enhance your decks color.
Find a contractor for your home improvement project.
