Maximize your deck’s life

« « Enhance Your Outdoor Living Area With Retractable Patio Awnings | Dallas Sunrooms – How To Build Outdoor Patio Awnings In Your House? » »

October 1st, 2009 Subscribe To Our Feed

Yardiac.com -Patio Heaters at Wholesale Prices

Your One-Stop Shop For Patio Products...Click Here!

Without proper maintenance, a wood deck can be subject to rot, fading, mold and other problems. Whether you own Castle Rock real estate, or Glen Allen real estate, if you have a deck, there are a few things you can do to prolong the life. Trex or composite decks are wonderful in terms of maintenance, but don’t forget to treat stains right away.

Custom Patio Designs For A Beautiful Home

At least annually, be sure to thoroughly clean the decking. If you’re pinched for time, consider renting a pressure washter. Although power washing is a great time saver, be careful not to use too powerful a setting. A bucket of soapy water & brush is your best bet when it comes to cleaning cracks & spaces on the deck.
Avoid using cleaners with bleach in them.
Don’t forget to secure all railings. This should go without saying, but they can be a safety hazard that can cost you thousands in medical bills, too.
Be sure that you clean between the deck boards because this is where many leaf particles and other matter accumulate. This is also where you might discover mold, fungus and insect infestation. Clear any screws or debris from between boards.
Be sure to seal deck each and every year. Some sealants claim to be good for longer than a year, but the bottom line is that if water doesn’t bead – you need another coat. When the wood starts to get water penetration, problems such as splitting & splintering can occur.
If boards are secured with nails, when they loosen, remove them and replace with deck screws. Most deck boards are screwed down, although some cheaper and older decks have nails, which will need to be hammered down every year. Occasionaly, boards might work loose & can warp, split & splinter and could possibly need replacing. Loose boards should be secured for safety reasons as well.
Keep deck furniture in storage during winter months. This isn’t a problem if you have plastic furniture, but can be if you have metal tables and chairs.
Immediately sweep any leaves and other debris from the decking to keep it clean and keep fungus or mold from growing and rot from occurring. Wood decks are best when kept dry.

Following the above tips could double or triple the life of your deck, therefore saving you tens of thousands of dollars in the long run.

This article was provided by Automated Homefinder, LLC.