Keeping Your Deck in Top Shape
A deck is not only a place to hangout but it’s also an asset of your home. To keep your deck in top condition, always practice these good maintenance habits – regular cleaning, proper use of chemical-based sealers and cleaning materials, and the use of other good deck care products.
Most people would rather spend an afternoon sitting on their deck
than a minute keeping it clean. But your deck is only as good as you make it; without proper care and maintenance, it can quickly turn from a home asset to a major burden and an eyesore. It takes some work, but as long as your deck is in top condition, you can be sure all your efforts will pay off.
Maintaining your deck involves two processes: keeping it
clean and performing necessary repairs. Ideally you’ll only need the latter about
once a year, but that depends on how well you do the former. Set aside a few
minutes a day to maintain your deck and you can be sure it’ll last years of
constant use. Here are few things to keep in mind when maintaining your deck.
Get good deck care products. Cleaning
is essential to deck maintenance, but regular soap and water won’t do the job. You
need a set of good deck care products that go beyond cleaning. A good cleaning
product should do four things: block ultraviolet rays, keep out moisture, prevent
mold and mildew growth, and enhance your deck’s color and finish. If you get a
lot of sunlight, get a solid color or semi-transparent cleaner. The pigments
will block more UV rays and take longer to fade.
Reseal every year. Most
decks are made from hardwoods chemically treated to prevent rot. But the
treatment doesn’t last forever; you’ll need to reapply the sealant every year. If
you’re using naturally rot-resistant wood (such as cedar or cypress), treat it
every two years, and every year after the third treatment. Don’t seal it right after
installation—let it weather for about a year so it can better take the chemicals.
Clean regularly. Dust,
soil and sand will get in between the deck slabs every day. Make sure to get it
all out at least once a week, otherwise they’ll build up and erode the wood. A simple
broom or rug can do the job, but there are also some cleaning products designed
to reach the gaps. What’s important is to make sure the surface is clean and
smooth. Try to give it a quick sweep once a day so you won’t have a lot to do at
the end of the week.
Fix problems immediately. When
you see a loose screw, wood splinters, or a broken slab, don’t wait until the
weekend to do something about it. Chances are the problem will only get worse
the longer you put it off. Check the steps and railings for wood splinters, and
the gaps in between the wood for mold and mildew. Always have a supply of screws,
nails, and spare slabs for quick repairs. If you can’t spare a few minutes to
fix it, at least patch it up to keep the damage from spreading.
Be gentle with new decks. New
decks aren’t necessarily much sturdier than older ones. In fact, new decks need
more attention during the first year, and some materials get stronger the
longer you use them. Don’t use bleach on new decks; give it a few years to
weather and settle into its natural color. Instead, rinse the surface with a
garden sprayer letting it soak for about 5 minutes before wiping it dry.
Don’t forget the railings. Railings
don’t take as much abuse as the deck floor, but that doesn’t mean they’re
impervious to damage. The seams in particular tend to weaken over time. Clean
them along with your deck floor and base, making sure to clean the sides of
each rail. Check for any loose parts and repair them immediately; these can
lead to serious accidents especially if your deck is on the second level.
Keep it dry. Moisture is wood’s
biggest enemy. Rain and humidity can greatly affect your deck’s structural
integrity and eventually cause it to rot. You can’t stop it either, but
you can minimize the damage by keeping your deck clean and dry. After a
rainfall, dry the surface with a fan to prevent dry rot. Check the gaps
regularly for fungal infestations; it’s important to catch them early so they
don’t spread.