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| Frequently Asked Questions |
DECK MAINTENANCE AND STAIN INFORMATION
General Deck Repair:
Decks have become an extremely popular, low-cost way to add living space to a
home. Decks make it convenient to enjoy the great outdoors. They also open up
the home and facilitate entertaining and outdoor dining.
Decks, however, are subject to the ravages of Mother Nature. A poorly maintained
deck quickly turns a dingy 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 and create 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. Here is how you can protect your deck:
Inspect and Repair: Inspect your deck every year or two. Repair any loose boards
and protruding nails.
Clear the area: Clear the deck and surrounding areas of potted plants,
furniture, toys, umbrellas, etc. Make sure that children and pets will remain
out of the area while work is being done.
Sweep or Blow away Debris: Remove all loose debris from the deck using a broom
or blower.
Clean the Deck: There are many commercially available chemicals for this
purpose. Carefully read all the directions and warnings on the label of the deck
cleaning chemicals. Following directions is important for getting good results
and for protecting you, your family, your pets, and your plants. In general, the
more powerful the chemical, the less scrubbing will be necessary. Scrubbing can
be done by hand using a basic scrub brush or push broom.
Professionals use a power-washer a devise that sprays water under a lot of
pressure. For most homeowners (and inexperienced professionals), all that power
can be a problem. It is very easy to inadvertently damage the deck with a
power-washer. Some pros become so proficient at using power-washers that they
skip the use of chemicals altogether. One substantial disadvantage of using
chemicals is that the stronger the chemical the harder it is on nearby plants
and the toxic it is on the environment.
Sand and Sweep rough spots: Sand down any rough areas and splinters. Then clean
away the dust.
Seal the Deck: Once the deck is thoroughly dry, use a roller, brush or sprayer
to apply a deck sealant. While water-based sealants are more convenient,
oil-based sealants perform better.
Done correctly, these basic deck maintenance steps will yield a deck that looks
just about brand new.
Deck maintenance extends the life of the deck, improves traction, and makes it
much nicer to look at.
In just a few decades, decks went from being a novelty to being very common.
This is the result of sealants and treatments that make wood decks more durable.
While some decks are constructed of traditional redwood (which has natural
preservative), most decks are now made from pressure treated pine. Both require
basic maintenance to keep them looking great. This guide provides an overview of
maintenance tips and materials to help you keep your deck looking its best.
- [Go] Are There Alternatives To Traditional Materials?
- [Go] Is Deck Maintenance Necessary?
- [Go] What about Professional Deck Cleaning?
- [Go] What are the Steps to Proper Deck Maintenance?
- [Go] What Type Of Deck Maintenance Is Recommended?
- [Go] What Will Happen If I Don’t Maintain My Deck?
- [Go] When Should I Seal My New Deck?
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