Deck Maintenance provided by ServiceMagic.com.
Decks have become an extremely popular, low-cost way to add living space to a home. Decks make it convenient to enjoy sitting outside day or night. They also open up the home and facilitate entertaining and outdoor dining.
However, decks are subject to the damaging effects of weather. A poorly maintained deck quickly turns a drab gray color. The discoloration is caused by dirt, moss, algae, and other plants, which soon begin to tear apart the surface of the wood. Splinters form, creating a rougher surface that is even more inviting to dirt and plants. Before long, you have a dingy deck that's treacherous when wet and riddled with splinters.
Basic Deck Maintenance
1. Inspect the Deck Inspect your deck every year or two. Check especially for any loose boards that you will need to repair or any protruding nails.
2. Prepare the Deck
Clear the deck of any furniture or toys and cover all fragile plants. Next, sweep the deck of larger debris.
Before beginning the cleaning process, make sure no children have access to the area.
3. Clean the Deck
Before you can apply the sealant you must thoroughly clean the deck of all dirt and build-up. Debris clogging the spaces between deck boards should first be blasted out with a powerful nozzle on a garden hose or a powerwasher. The water can also help dilute any chemicals that may inadvertently come into contact with plants and grass. (Even with mild solutions, care must be taken to limit the amount of solution that gets on nearby plants and grass as many solutions contain bleach, which is toxic to plants when in concentrated form.)
Products with a base of non-chlorine bleach base or oxalic acid are used to eliminate discoloration and stains. Bleach-based products eliminate mildew, while acid-based materials handle graying and stains. But, be aware that bleach used to kill mildew can also leave a surface drab and washed-out. For these problems, an acid-based deck restoration product should be used.
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