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Proper
maintenance for your deck will keep the love.
Decks are a very popular, simple way
to extend living space to your home. Your decks should make it
enjoyable to spend time outside day or night. They also add to
the home and extend the entertainment and outdoor dining.
Like everything else around your home
decks are subject to the damaging effects of moisture and prolongs
exposure to the elements. A deck that is not cared for properly
it turns a dull gray color. The degradation is caused by dirt,
moss, algae, and other plants. This soon begins to break down
the surface of the planks. 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. Look at the Deck
Take a good look at your every year or two. Look for any loose
boards that need repair or any nails sticking up.
2. Get the deck ready
Clear the deck of everything and cover or remove plants. Sweep
the deck surface pretty well. Before beginning the cleaning process,
make sure no children or animals are in the area.
3. Deck Cleaning
You must thoroughly clean the entire surface of the deck. You
have to get the debris clogging the spaces between the boards.
They can be blasted out with a powerful nozzle on a garden hose
or a pressure washer. The water will also dilute any chemicals
that will come come into contact with plants and/or grass.
Products that have a non-chlorine
bleach base are used to neutralize discoloration and stains. Bleach-based
products kill mildew, while acid-based materials handle the stains.
But, be aware that bleach can also leave the wood with a washed-out
look. Any home improvement store should have these.
Be sure to read the cleaning solution
directions and warnings thoroughly. The solutions can usually
be brushed onto the deck using a broom or it can be sprayed on
with a power washer under low pressure. 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 a push broom.
After waiting the directed length of time for the chemicals to
do their work, thoroughly rinse the deck.
4. Sealing your Deck
After the area is dry, it is time to seal the deck. First, cove
everything that you want to protect from the sealant. The level
of protection depends in part on the application of the sealant.
Sealant can be brushed on, rolled on with a paint roller, or sprayed
on.
Spraying is the fastest, but this is also the get everywhere.
And, some sealants have color in them and will stain surfaces
that are over sprayed. There are many adverse effects to getting
sealing on plant and other surfaces.
Sealants come in either water- or oil-based formulas. Professionals
use the oil-based sealants.
You can get sealants than contain
stain to tint the color of the deck. Sealants with stain can deliver
a non uniform color application across the wood, so try it first
in a not too seen spot to guarantee results will match your expectations.
Just a few thoughts
as you are working on your deck. There are many more decking articles
in our deck
section. There is more specific information in the links at
the beginning of this article. They can guide you where you need
to go.
Fire
Pit - should you be concerned.
A fire pit
on your deck is wonderful. What to be concerned about.
Consider
entertaining when looking for Deck Furniture.
Good Deck Furniture is an easy way to keep guests out side and
enjoying themselves.
Shade
from trees - it it really worth it?
Is that tree covering your deck worth the shade, or is it a maintenance
problem.
More
Articles...
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