Sundaymail Editor
TO make the most of the beautiful weather and time spent socialising with family and friends, maintain your deck throughout every season.
Decks provide outdoor living spaces designed for relaxation. Wood decks offer natural beauty that meshes well with surroundings, while composite decks (a blend of plastic and wood) are durable and easy to clean.
However, constant exposure to the elements can damage your deck and reduce its lifespan. Sun exposure can discolour the finish and dry the wood, while snow and rain can lead to warping or rot over time.
Regular deck maintenance is a must. Try these affordable tips for maintaining your deck while saving money.
Clean your deck routinely
Basic cleaning, like weekly sweeping of loose dirt and debris, will help maintain your deck’s natural lustre. Wood decks are meant to blend with the environment, but fallen leaves and dirt that sit too long can lead to discoloration, mould and wood rot. At least once a year, clean your deck using a wood deck cleaner appropriate for the species of wood. There are many brands out there, but they all have the same basic function: remove dirt, mould, algae, and the common causes of discoloration (oxidation). Common deck cleaners include: chlorine bleach, hydrogen peroxide, oxygen bleach and oxalic acid-based.
Perform repairs as needed
Once the deck is clean, inspect and identify any areas that need repair. Check for loose, splintered or rotten boards. Fix or replace minor issues early. As lumber ages, it can swell and shrink, causing nails and screws to move. If this happens, hammer or screw them back into place. Replace any rusty nails or screws as they can deteriorate the safety of the deck and cause discoloration of the lumber. Ensure the deck railing is secure.
When you are safely positioned, give the rail a solid push to ensure it can withstand a heavy hand. If it wobbles or shakes, reinforce or replace it immediately. Check the flashing –the metal or plastic guards where the deck and the house meet –as water can get into cracks and crevices. Be sure to direct water away from sensitive areas and install drainage that drops runoff on the ground or grass, not on the deck.
Protect with a sealant
Before applying sealant, clean the deck and allow it to dry fully. Sand it to remove any irregularities and splinters. Do not skip this step, as it provides for proper absorption of the sealant. Sealing a deck protects it from cracking, splitting and warping. It also waterproofs the underlying materials. There are several deck-sealing products available on the market but if your home gets a lot of direct sunlight, you will want one that prevents damage from both water and UV rays. Reapply deck sealant every two years for optimal results. Most composite decks do not require a sealant or staining.
Maintain with high-quality deck stain
Staining is essential for the longevity of wood decks. To keep yours looking good as new, use one or two coats of high-quality, semi-transparent, semi-opaque, or solid deck stain.
If you want to add colour, use an exterior stain first. Exterior stains come in both solid and semi-transparent finishes.
They are available in oil or latex and some provide fade- and mildew-resistance. Darker wood stains and other synthetic pigments can also help protect against UV rays. – bhg.com
Online Reporter