Wood is a sturdy medium for your new custom deck. Its firm base makes it dependable, and its style provides an elegant extension to your home. However, for a wood deck to remain long-lasting, it requires some yearly care to make sure it won’t deteriorate and lose its high-quality profile.
For custom deck owners, knowing these maintenance tips will be beneficial to the well-being of your wood deck. Take a look at our tips below to make sure you’re doing everything you can to help your deck last for a long time.
Washing Your Deck
When you neglect washing your wood deck, it becomes susceptible to mold and mildew, which rot away at your deck. Washing your deck with a deck cleanser will inhibit the growth of mold and mildew.
Before you wash your wood deck, do a general sweeping to remove all of the debris lying on it. Check your cleanser to see if your deck needs to be sprayed down with water before you apply the solution.
To effectively apply the cleaning solution, use a paint roller or a bristled broom to scrub thoroughly. Then let the solution sit for 10 minutes before washing it away with a hose.
Sealing Your Deck
To maintain your deck’s finish and appearance, you’ll need to apply a type of sealer a couple of days after you wash it. You can choose from many different types of sealers that give you the opportunity to enhance your deck’s color or amplify its natural appearance.
Before you apply the sealer, make sure you sand your deck so it’s nice and smooth. Then use a roller to apply the sealer in a nice, even fashion. Rather than let certain areas develop pools of sealer, spread it out and then apply a second coat. Make sure you seal your deck on a day with clear skies and no rain.
General Maintenance
There are a number of good practices that will keep your wood deck in great condition year-round. By trimming the branches of trees and bushes that hang over or are near your deck, you can help ensure that your deck won’t experience any harmful mold or rot buildup. You can also work to remove any leaves from the top of your deck to prevent the same harmful effects as mold and mildew.
Make sure any gutters above your deck are working properly and aren’t allowing water to leak onto your wood deck. And before the summer season, be sure to replace decking boards or address any cracks in the boards or nails that have popped up.
To maintain your deck’s color for a long time, try moving around your furniture occasionally. This will prevent any deck discoloring where planters or furniture were placed.
If you’re looking to increase the value of your home and create your dream outdoor living space, you can contact the professionals at Paul Construction LLC to learn more about the potential of a wood deck.
