Many people choose to have outdoor decks as it gives extra value, not to mention extra space to any home. But if you wish for it to last longer, you must know how to take care of it properly.
For those who do not have an idea how to do it, here are some tips to consider:
Inspect, and Power Wash Your Deck
Remember to thoroughly inspect your deck even at least once a year. See if there are damages which you have to take care of. You see, the more significant the damage, the more it will cost you.
Once you are done with the inspection, you can now clean it using your power washer.
Power washing works like a natural exfoliant for the wood. Also, the sealers seep deeper, and it adds protection to the deck.
- Benefits of Power Washing Your Outdoor Deck
One of the benefits of power washing your deck is that it removes microbes that encourage mildew and mold growth. In addition, it eliminates the salt and dirt that have been accumulated during the winter. And while you are reading all the good things about power washing, take note that an inexperienced person using a power washer might cause further damage. If you are not sure how the tool works and how intense its pressure is, better leave it to professionals.
Fortunately, you can find a lot of power washing services that are easy on the pocket. But you still need to do your due diligence and look for the right provider for your needs.
Sanding Your Deck
When power washing is done, you must wait for it to dry completely, and it would usually take two days. After this, you can now proceed to sand your deck. But what does it do, you may ask? This is essential if you wish to take away splinters brought by pressure washing. We highly recommend that you use 80-grit sandpaper with the use of a pole sander. Using a power sander is a big no, and taking it to the extreme. We don’t recommend such – at all!
Avoid Using Paint
We understand that it can be tempting to use lacquer, varnish, or paint on your deck, but we don’t encourage this. Yes, it will look good for a few months. But once the paint peels off, it will look awful.
What we suggest is to use quality sealant. The best one would be the clear sealant, as this could last longer. While there are tinted ones, it may fade, especially if many people stay in your deck. Also, remember to get a synthetic sealant. Just so you know, the oil-based ones could encourage mildew and algae. Now, that’s another problem you would want to avoid. Adding sealant can give your deck protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays. So, it’s a wise investment.
Have a Regular Cleaning Schedule
You do not have to powerwash your deck every single time. But it’s ideal if you clean it as regularly as you can. You need to check if there are branches or leaves as these can cause stains on your deck. Also, sweep off excess water or shove the snow as necessary.
Accessorize Smartly
And lastly, make sure to choose the right furniture for your deck.
It’s fun to add rugs, chairs, and other furniture to your deck as it gives character. But you have to be careful. Sometimes, these things could attract moisture and might promote mildew growth. So if you wish to add, say, a rug, be sure to choose a rug that is meant to be used outdoors.