When it comes to adding value to your property or creating a beautiful outdoor space, a deck is definitely the way to go. However, if you fail to maintain your deck properly, then it’s unlikely to hold its value and your friends and family are hardly going to enjoy relaxing outdoors on a dilapidated deck that’s covered in rot. The good news is that deck maintenance is pretty straightforward and when done properly, doesn’t need to be done too often. Below are the most basic but essential steps to follow when ensuring that your deck remains in tip-top condition:
Sweeping
One of the most simple ways to clean your deck is by sweeping it regularly. Sweeping will remove any leaves, dead insects, dirt and general outdoor debris. When this kind of debris is allowed to build up it will trap moisture from the humidity, dew or rain which will then sink into the crevices of your deck and begin causing rot in the wood. We recommend giving your deck a thorough sweep at least once a week, though you should do it more often if your back yard or surrounding area is filled with a lot of bushes or trees.
A Good Scrub
In order to maintain your deck, it’s important that you give it a bit of elbow grease every now and again. You should scrub your deck twice a year and it’s also essential that you thoroughly clean your deck before staining it. For a general clean, you should use a soft-bristled brush with a washing product designed for deck maintenance. If you have deep or tough stains on your deck, then a hard bristled brush will be more effective in these areas.
After you have finished cleaning the deck, wait 20-30 minutes then rinse the cleaning product off of your deck.
Pressure Washing
With some decks, you may be able to use a pressure washer rather than scrubbing the wood by hand. Pressure washers are excellent at getting the job done but they can end up damaging certain types of wood and doing more harm than good, so make sure you do your research before opting for a pressure washer.
Choosing a Stain
Make sure that you apply a preservative coating or stain to your deck once a year. It’s vital that you select a stain that will provide protection from UV rays, especially in the harsh Australian weather. You can either select a stain that will colour your deck or opt for a clear option. If your deck is designed to repel water then make sure you choose a stain that will really penetrate the wood and seal it.
Don’t Ignore Rot
It’s entirely possible that rot may begin to appear in places on your deck. This simply happens when exposure to moisture is unavoidable and is more common near drainage pipes on your home. Sometimes there is rot on your deck before you can even see it. A good way to test this is by prodding one of the boards with a screwdriver; if the screwdriver goes further than a quarter of an inch relatively easy then it’s likely that you have rot. Treat rot by reinforcing the boards which are weak or damaged and if the rot is extensive you may have to replace some of the boards.
When it comes to creating and maintaining beautiful outdoor spaces, at SEQ Patios we know pretty much everything there is to know. We’ve got over 40 years experience in construction and can build a custom-made patio, deck or pergola to suit your needs and style. To learn more about our services, get in touch with us via our website or call us today on 0439 436 624.
