Deck Maintenance Tips

Decks are a wonderful addition to any outdoor space, and with the proper care they can be kept looking great all year long. Here are a few tips to help you maintain the quality of your deck and help protect it from the elements.

First of all, regular maintenance is crucial. We recommend sweeping the main surface of your deck on a weekly basis to remove any fallen leaves or debris from nearby trees and bushes.

It is also important to do at least one more thorough cleaning per year. Be sure to check the weather forecast before beginning this process, and try to avoid doing it on days with strong sun exposure or rain.

Before any serious cleaning is done, you must remove any dust, dirt, or debris from the deck. Using a household broom (or a leaf blower if you have one), quickly clear off the main surface of your deck. Although frequently overlooked, the cracks and crevices of your deck can attract a lot of the same types of unwanted debris. Take a look at the spaces between the wooden boards and remove any significant buildup in those spaces. This can be done using a putty knife or any similar crevice cleaning tool.

After your deck is cleared, you can begin washing. If you are not quite ready to invest in the purchase of a power washer, you can opt to rent one from your local hardware or home improvement store. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the different settings of the pressure cleaner before washing your deck. To prevent against water damage, make sure that you are using a gentle pressure setting and avoid holding the nozzle too close to the wood surface.

The next step in your process will be to apply deck cleaner. When choosing a cleaner, pay close attention to labels. There are a variety of different cleaners out there and it is very important that you select the proper one for your specific deck material (wood, composite, vinyl, etc.). These labels will also provide detailed instructions for applying the cleaner. Follow these instructions, as they tend to vary from product to product.

In order to protect your deck for the upcoming year, we recommend using a protective finish. Applying a sealant to your deck will help to preserve the quality of the wood by limiting the harmful effects of weather related damages.

All of these tips will help keep your deck in tip-top shape. If you have any other questions about how to maintain your deck, feel free to get in touch with us – we’re happy to help!