Regular cleaning and inspections can keep your deck in great shape. Debris should be swept away regularly to prevent mold and mildew, and loose boards need to be tightened and repaired before they become rot magnets.
Also, be sure to trim nearby bushes and trees so they don’t touch the decking. And rotate furniture and grills occasionally to avoid uneven fading in certain areas. Connect with Mount Joy Company LLC for reliable help.
Debris that builds up on decks can trap moisture and cause rot, mold, and mildew. Regular sweeping and removing debris like leaves or snow helps to prevent this. However, for a thorough cleaning that removes all dirt and grit from the surface, you’ll need to use power washing equipment or a scrub brush. Before you begin, make sure that any furniture or other objects are removed from the deck and that the plants near your deck are either covered or watered to prevent them from getting damaged by the cleaning solution. It’s also a good idea to cover any part of your house that’s near the deck with tarps or plastic sheeting to protect it from cleaning spray and runoff.
If you’re using a power washer, it’s best to pre-rinse the entire deck surface so that the cleaner can more easily absorb into the wood. This will also help to keep the sanding process that follows later from damaging your deck boards.
It’s also a good time to inspect your deck for signs of damage or wear. Check for cracks, rotted or insect-infested areas of the boards, loose or protruding nails and screws, and wobbly railings or stairs. Make note of these problems and plan to make any necessary repairs as you clean the deck.
When you’re ready to start the actual cleaning process, it’s a good idea to use a soft-bristled brush rather than metal or other types of brushes that can cause scratching and damage to the wood. This will minimize the amount of sanding needed to smooth out any areas that are rough or uneven. You should also scrub in the direction of the wood grain to keep from creating scratches.
If you have a small amount of staining, a vinegar solution can often do the trick. Mix together two parts vinegar and one part water and spray or pour this onto the affected areas. If the stain is severe, you’ll need to scrub the area with a hard-bristled brush and a commercial deck cleaner that is formulated for wood.
Clean the Deck
Before starting any cleaning, clear the deck of any containers, furniture and plants that can be moved and cover them with sheets or tarps. Stain and sealers can damage these items as well as grass or other vegetation surrounding the deck. A hose with a sprayer or power washer should be used to wet the entire surface of the deck, allowing dirt and debris to loosen for easy removal. If your deck is made of composite material, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for cleaning because harsh chemicals may damage it.
Wooden decks should be cleaned every two to three years using a non-toxic cleaner such as detergent or a commercial wood preservative. Commercial cleaners are available at home improvement stores, and some can be found in grocery and discount stores. It is important to follow the cleaner’s instructions for use as different types of wood require different treatment to preserve their integrity.
A broom with stiff bristles or a standard sponge and hot water should be sufficient to remove most mild soiling. For tough stains, you can try a commercial pressure-washer, but it is important to keep the nozzle set at a low setting and not directly on the deck boards. A pressure-washer with a high setting could cause the boards to warp or delaminate, leaving permanent damage.
After washing, a light sanding with a pole sander and 80-grit paper will smooth the surface. It is important to sand in the direction of the wood grain so that the pores open up, allowing the stain or sealant to better penetrate the wood.
It is also a good time to check the flashing, a protective waterproof barrier required where a deck or porch attaches to a house. If you notice rust or rot, replace the flashing and make any other repairs necessary to protect your investment in your deck.
A final step in cleaning is to apply a deck brightener, an oxalic acid product that can be purchased from most hardware stores and that will restore the color of a wooden deck and remove tannins. It is sprayed on the same as the deck cleaner, but should be allowed to dry for a few days before staining.
Repair Damaged Boards
If you notice damaged deck boards, it’s important to act quickly to prevent water damage. A wet deck will not only cause the board to swell but can also be dangerous for anyone walking on it. Using a hairdryer or towels, dry the affected area to stop moisture from penetrating the wood and causing additional damage. You’ll also want to use a wood chisel to square up the drilled ends of the deck board to prepare it for replacement.
While all wood decking will eventually need replacing, a repair is often a better option than replacement. First, determine if the problem is simply cosmetic. If so, a simple repair will be sufficient to restore your deck’s appearance and safety. But if the deck’s structure is compromised, then a replacement will be necessary to ensure long-term stability.
During the repair process, it’s a good idea to check other areas of your deck for potential problems. Look for signs of rot or decay, including dark moist spots, soft, spongy sections and musty odors. Dry rot is particularly damaging to wooden decks, as it can weaken the structure and compromise safety. Detecting this issue as early as possible will save you money in the long run by preventing serious structural damage.
In addition to repairing damage, you should keep an eye out for other problems such as surface growth, cracking or splitting, and splintering. These issues are easy to fix if you stay on top of your deck maintenance.
To prevent moisture damage, it’s a good idea to apply a waterproof sealant to your deck at least once per year. This protects against stains, mold, mildew and other forms of surface growth. It will also help prevent cracking and splitting of the decking boards.
If your composite or PVC deck has scratches, nicks or dents, you can easily repair them by sanding them to level them out with the surrounding boards. Make sure to clean the area before sanding and use a scratch pad or brush to prevent damage to the rest of the composite deck material. You can also use wax to repair these marks and scratches.
Seal the Deck
Protecting your deck from harsh weather will prevent damage and help to extend its life. Deck sealants create a barrier that reduces the amount of water that can soak into the wood and cause mildew or rot. There are both oil and water based deck sealants available at hardware or home improvement stores. Water based sealants dry quickly and may flake off over time while oil based sealants last longer but require more frequent application.
If you’re going to reseal your deck, be sure to use a quality product and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. It is also a good idea to choose a clear day without rain or wind to allow the deck to dry completely between coats of sealant. You should also cover plants and door trim with plastic sheeting to protect them from the chemicals in deck cleaners and sealers.
Before sealing your deck, scrub it with a brush to remove dirt, grime and any growths that are adhering to the wood. Then rinse the deck clean using a pressure washer, being careful to consult your pressure washer’s manual for information regarding how far the tip should be away from the surface. Once the deck is completely dry, you’ll need to sand it down using 60- to 150-grit sandpaper or a power sander to smooth any rough spots and ensure that the deck is ready for its final coat of sealant.
When applying the sealant, be sure to work in the direction of the wood grain for a more even look and finish. You should also apply multiple thin coats rather than one thick coat to avoid pools of sealant that will take longer to dry. Make sure that you let each coat dry thoroughly between applications and that you cover all areas of the deck, including any railings or stairs.
While it is tempting to take shortcuts when resealing your deck, don’t. Skipping steps like cleaning or repairing the deck prior to sealing will result in a subpar finished product. Similarly, walking on the deck before it’s fully sealed can disrupt the drying process and result in the sealant needing to be stripped and reapplied.