Once
the winter snows have melted, will they reveal a deck in good shape
or one that needs repairing? Like every other aspect of your home,
your deck should be inspected and maintained at least once a year.
Maintaining your deck is not only necessary to protect your deck,
but to protect yourself and your family from being injured from
splinters, loose boards, or protruding nails
Most
decks are made from pressure treated pine boards, which will last
thirty years or more before they need to be replaced. However, splintering
can occur after only a few months if the boards are not properly
maintained. For this reason, it is important to do the following
once a year to keep your deck in good shape.
Deck
maintenance should begin by thoroughly inspecting your deck. Start
by removing any toys or furniture from the deck and sweeping away
larger debris. Then check each inch of the deck for loose boards,
splintering, and protruding nails. Reinforce or replace nails and
boards as necessary.
The
next step is to clean your deck. There are three types of deck cleaners:
chlorine bleach, oxygen bleach, and oxalic acid based. Chlorine
bleach cleaners are not recommended because they can harm the wood
and cause the wood fibers to fuzz. Oxygen bleach cleaners are mixed
with water, which creates a hydrogen peroxide and soda ash cleaning
base. It is effective for removing mildew stains, graying from sun
exposure, dirt, and other deposits. Oxalic acid based cleaners do
not remove mildew stains, but will remove most other ones.
Make
sure you read and follow the directions for the cleaning solution
carefully. Before beginning, carefully protect surrounding plants
and make sure any children will be kept away from the deck. You
may need to hose the deck down before applying the cleaning solution
with a broom, spray can, or power washer.
If scrubbing is necessary, it can
be done using a scrub brush or push broom. In general, chemicals
that are more powerful require less scrubbing. Allow the solution
to sit for time recommended before rinsing. If using a power washer,
be careful not to use too much pressure, which can damage the wood.
Once your deck has been thoroughly
washed and allowed to dry for at least twenty-four hours, it is
time to seal it. Make sure you pick a water repellent (not resistant)
sealant that contains ultraviolet sunlight protection. If you have
had or expect problems with mildew, the finish should also contain
a mildewcide. However, do not use polyurethane or varnish finishes
because they will degrade in direct sunlight.
Before beginning, it is important
to check a weather report. Sealants need to dry at least twenty-four
hours before it rains. This can be difficult job in areas that are
experiencing rain every couple of days, but important if you want
your sealant to be effective.
You
may need to put down extra tarps to protect plants, air conditioners,
and any other items from the sealant, especially if it is tinted.
Spraying is the fastest method to apply sealants, but it is also
the most difficult to control. For better results, use a roller
and brush to apply the sealant. Apply the sealant generously and
allow the wood to absorb it.
While
you are waiting for the sealant to dry, take the time to clean your
deck furniture thoroughly. Also, you should not forget to go to
the store to pick up some hamburgers or steaks for the grill. That
way, you will be able to enjoy the deck almost immediately the next
day.
