Your deck will take a lot of abuse. It will get walked all over lots, and it will be outside in all weathers. If left untreated, the baking hot Texas sun or a bad storm can do some serious damage to your deck. If you live somewhere coastal, you may find that you end up with a salty residue and it could end up leaving your deck washed out.
With all of the potential for damage to your deck, it is essential that you do your best to take care of it. Having your patio or deck replacing is not something that you will want to do often, so ensuring you maximize the lifespan of your own deck is vital.
Whether you have a treated or a composite deck, here are some top tips that you can make use of so that you continue to get the best out of your deck without it getting damaged or losing its color.
Reduce The Risk Of Mildew Spores When New
Get your deck professionally cleaned as soon as you get it as possible. You will want to make sure that any impurities are removed before your deck can be sealed.
Your deck should be sealed after around two months. This gives the wood a chance to age. But in the meantime, it is vital that you really do everything you can to keep it as clean as possible and to avoid mildew spores as they will end up affecting the long term life of your deck.
Seal Your Decking
Once your deck has been down for two months, you can seal it. This will protect your deck against moisture and rain which will cause swelling in the wood. It will also work to protect your deck from damage caused by the sun, as this can dry the decking out and make the wood shrink. Over time, if untreated repeated shrinking and swelling during the changes of the seasons will cause the wood to warp or crack.
Don’t Paint Your Decking Or Use A Solid Stain
Painting your deck may look great at first, but very quickly you will notice that the paint will start to peel or chip off. This will be a considerable challenge when it comes to cleaning it up. Instead, use an oil-based stain.
Clean And Seal Your Deck
Throughout the lifespan of your deck, it will be important to give it continue a routine of giving it a deep clean and reseal. If you plan on doing this yourself, you should try and do this each year. If you pay out that little bit extra you can get it done professionally, and the seal will last longer, meaning that you only need to have this done every two or three years.
Sweep Your Deck
You should routinely sweep your deck. Debris can build up and the dirt may stain your deck. During the autumn months, leaves may fall on it and end up getting stuck down with rain leaving marks.
Remove Any Snow
If it snows, shovel all of the snow off your deck as soon as you are able to do so as the mixture of the cold and damp weighed down on top of it is likely to cause it some damage.
Avoid Stray Soil From Planters
If you have any planters on your deck, think about putting them on top of cement blocks as this will stop moisture and dirt from the bottom of the planter seeping through into the wood.
Make Repairs As Soon As You See Problems
If you notice any damage in your decking, making a repair early can save you money in the long run. Problems can spread, especially if you start to see the signs of rot. It is far better to have to swap one piece out than to need to pay to replace the entire deck.
Tighten Up Your Boards
Tightening up your boards regularly is one way to prevent issues from forming. Loose boards may not hold the tension of the deck correctly and boards may start to bow under the weight of anything on top of them.
Avoid Grease From BBQs
When the summer months hit, you will no doubt want to get outside and use the BBQ. Having a drip tray to catch any grease that spills out from your grill will stop grease getting into your wood and causing lasting damage.
But, if you just want a new deck just call us!