How To Keep Your Deck In Great Condition

By Author: Leonard Simmons
Total Articles: 152
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Deck maintenance is highly important if you want to extend the life of your deck and keep it safe for your guests and family. Therefore, there a few things you can do periodically to keep your deck looking great.
INSPECT SURFACE AND STRUCTURE
Deck inspection should be an ongoing thing because we tend not to recognize problems that increase slowly, like loose boards, bubbles or chips in stains, and visible water damage. Some of the damage can start to show in places far from visibility. Check your deck’s structure by physically checking your fasteners, which are the nails and screws. You should also inspect the planks for any moisture-induced rot and for any loose boards. Don’t forget to look in between planks. Sometimes problems can arise there such as the over-accumulation of pine needles and leaves that can increase moisture. When you do find a loose nail or screw, replace it immediately instead of pounding them back into place.
CLEANING YOUR DECK
One of the most important steps to maintaining the look and quality of your deck is to perform regular cleaning. This action alone can ...
... prevent dirt and debris from collecting which can cause mildew and mold and too much moisture that can result in wood to deteriorate. A simple application of the appropriate wood cleaner can do the trick, or have a professional power wash your deck. Know what kind of deck you have and the appropriate ways to clean it. Some decks are not suited for a deep power wash.
RESTAINING OR REPAINTING
Restaining or repainting your deck is the next step after inspection, cleaning, applying a sealant or deck brighteners. You can determine whether you need to go to the next step of restaining or repainting your deck. The most important preparation is that your deck is completely clean and dried before you apply new stain or paint to it.
MAKING MAINTENANCE AN ANNUAL THING
It can be an overwhelming task to have to maintain everything in your home, but you need to take the same care and attention for your home’s exterior, too. Therefore, it is so easy to put off deck maintenance. Sometimes you just don’t visit your deck as often as elsewhere. So you may find yourself putting it off until the next spring and before you know it, it has already been three or five years before you have done anything to it. It is important to remember that preventative deck maintenance will save you money in the long run.

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