Are you neglecting your deck?
Could you not do it? Otherwise, it will be ruined, and you have to spend extra on installing a new deck. And you don’t want to spend your hard-earned money unnecessarily.
If you want your deck to be in a sound condition, you need to take care of it. So, here we are with deck maintenance tips by a pro:
1. Deck Inspection –
Inspecting something for its faults is an essential part of maintenance. So, before beginning with the deck maintenance, it is essential to examine the deck for any problem. Deck inspection every year is very crucial if you want to increase the durability of your deck.
When performing the inspection, check the following:
- If there is any loose board?
- Are there any protruding nails?
- Is the wood is rotting?
All these questions will help you in deciding from where to start the maintenance. You can also take the help of your deck builder in knowing your deck deeply. They can suggest the best maintenance practices depending on your deck.
2. Wash Your Deck –
Cleaning the deck every year is necessary if you want to lessen the risk of wood rotting. Make sure that you use only a deck cleaning solution. It will help in getting rid of mold and bacteria accumulated from the last year. While washing the deck, a cleaning solution is spread on the deck using a pressure washer or broom. Furthermore, be cautious while using a pressure washer. Don’t go overboard.
Ensure that you hold the nozzle far away from the deck’s surface not to destroy the wood. Washing the deck with a pressure washer too heavily can gouge the wood. While selecting the cleaning solution, make sure that it is not having chlorine or any harmful acid. Otherwise, it can fade off the color of your deck.
3. Apply Stain –
Many prefer to apply paint to their deck, but the best option is to use the stain. The clear and lightly stained finish can help in preserving the natural look of the wood. Whereas heavily pigmented stains show wear and tear more easily and are prone to peeling. Moreover, make sure to use a high-quality stain that soaks into the wood easily and does not remain on the surface.
When buying a deck stain, be assured that it is waterproof and not just water-resistant. Also, if you don’t want your deck to fade soon, buy only that stain that offers protection against UV rays. Buying a stain that contains mildewcide can protect your deck from the growth of mildew.
4. Sealing the Deck –
After staining is done, now it is time to seal the deck. But before sealing, make sure that the stain is dry. Also, don’t forget to cover plants and other objects in the surroundings with a tarp to protect them. When sealing the deck, you can apply the sealant with a paintbrush, a sprayer, or a paint roller. The coat of sealant is dependent on the type of brush you use for the application of sealant. If you want a thick layer of the solution, then go for brushes or rollers.
And if in case you want an easy and quick alternate, then make use of a sprayer. The best practice for the sealant application is first applying the thin coat and then going for the second thick coat if the first one was not enough. In the areas and corners where rollers cannot reach, use a thin or small-sized paintbrush. If you think that you cannot maintain the deck efficiently, then hiring a deck professional can be the best idea.