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August 28, 2020If you have a deck, then you already know that it is an integral part of your home. Decks are an affordable way for homeowners to add extra living space to the house. You’ve invested thousands on the pride and joy that is your latest addition so you want to ensure that you go out of your way to take care of your deck.
Even the most well-constructed deck will start to deteriorate after some time especially with regular use. An untidy and grimy deck is an invitation for mold and mildew to grow. So if you want it to last for as long as possible, you must know that deck maintenance is a continuous process.
If you fail to take care of your deck, it will slowly begin to discolor as a result of buildup from dirt, moss, algae, and other natural elements. These natural elements can wreak havoc on your once immaculate deck tearing the surface apart. This will consequently cause splinters to form, thus creating an even rougher surface that will invite even more damaging elements.
Before too long, what you will be left with is a dingy looking deck that’s treacherous when it’s rained on and too dangerous for all your guests to enjoy. Lucky for you, we know all about decks and understand just what it takes to keep them looking like new even years after the initial installation.
Tempt your friends and family to linger longer by giving your deck the special attention that it deserves with the following tips:
Be sure to clean your deck well at least once every 6 months
It is very critical that you exfoliate your deck regularly so that the protective sealers can bleed deeper into the wood, thus offering even more protection. Whenever the weather is nice and warm outside (60 to 70-degree weather is appropriate), go over the surface of your deck with a roller or sprayer so that any mold or debilitating bacteria can be terminated.
You can use a soft-bristled brush to gently scrub any visibly dirty or greasy spots, which might provide the perfect environment for mold to thrive. Of course, you can always use a power washer when you have nothing else to work with but you risk damaging the wood even further than it already is.
Protect your plants or shrubbery during the cleanup
Before you start the cleaning process, ensure that you cover your plants or ant shrubbery on the deck to keep it safe. The chemicals in these deck cleaners and sealers that we use for maintenance can harm or kill your plants if the overspray gets to them.
The best way to prevent this from happening is by covering the vegetation with a waterproof tarp. However, remember to only drape the protective covering loosely so that air can circulate freely.
Store any accessories that you may have safely
By now you know the importance of keeping your deck clean. However, we know that it’s not always as easy to keep it neat and organized with your garden equipment, grilling utensils, as well as the children’s toys always littering the outside area. That’s why it is so essential that you invest in a well-constructed deck box that you can use to safely store all the excess debris and material that is often strewn all over your deck.
The best deck boxes to invest in are the weather-proof variety because they will not wear and tear even when exposed to harsh weather. Weatherproof deck boxes will also keep all the contents within secure and protected from harsh weather. Deck boxes come in all sorts of shapes, sizes, designs, and prices so you shouldn’t have any problems finding one that’s suited to your deck. For more information, check out this guide on giftwits.com.
Avoid using paint for sealing your deck
It might make sense to use paint to seal your deck at first. However, if you do, the paint will only look attractive when it’s first applied before starting to appear distressed after some time in the sun. Plus, if your deck is already sealed using paint, you will need to first remove that coating of paint using stripper or sander before you can re-seal the surface with an alternative sealant.
The best sealants to use are those that seep into the wood. Any finish that is designed to leave a film instead of penetrating the wood such as lacquer or varnishes, will start to peel or crack after some time. You should seriously consider using synthetic sealants over oil-based ones which are more likely to attract mildew or algae. Semitransparent finishes are also good especially if you need to protect the deck’s original wood color or keep it safe from sun damage.
Know when to call in the professionals
If cleaning your deck seems like too much work for you either because you don’t have access to the right cleaning supplies or you simply don’t have the time to do it yourself, you can always give professional deck cleaners a call to come and help you with the mammoth task.
Professional deck cleaners will have the right tools for the job so that the surface of your deck can be brought back to life. They will be able to clean the surface, as well as strip down dirt, grease, and grime. If there is any clear damage such as wood fading in some sports or deck boards that need replacing, your team of professionals will be able to offer you advice on how to take on any repairs needed.
Furnish your deck with ec-friendly things
Over time, your deck may see some degradation based on the type of furniture you choose. For example, iron-made furniture may become corrosive and then damage your deck floor.
Consider the environment – and the longevity of your deck when you choose the right furniture. For example, I have a nice hammock on the deck because it doesn’t actually leave any footprint (great buying guide here). I also use eco-friendly deck cleaner products, wooden chairs and tables.
Every decision you make counts towards making sure you take good care of your deck.
Final Thoughts
Decks, especially well-constructed ones, can be one of the best features of a home. However, if they are not well maintained, even the most superior decks will start to look neglected after some time.
Not only will this reduce the resale value of your home considerably, but the repairs costs might also snowball out of control, so it’s best to avoid all this from happening simply by taking better care of your investment. Not to worry though. These tips above will ensure that your deck stays as beautiful and inviting as the day it was installed.
