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Deck Doctor
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How do I protect a deck? Answer 7 |
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Deck Maintenance Winter takes its toll on a deck, making it look dingy and corroding it with the effects of harsh weather, grime, and ultraviolet rays. Here's how to fight dinginess: Things to Consider: * When your deck is new. Most decks are made of pressure-treated lumber that is still damp when you buy it. Clean and seal it only after the wood looks and feels dry. But don't wait too long -- exposing the deck to too many months of weather will discolor and crack it. * Before staining. You wouldn't wax a dirty car, nor should you apply sealer or stain to a dirty deck. Remove grease spots, mildew, and algae, or they will mar the new finish. Water-resistant sealers or stains work best when they adhere to a clean, porous surface. * When you've neglected it. "Let it age," said all your friends when you installed your deck. Now it's a big, gray eyesore. Don't despair. One cleaning should make a dramatic difference. A second cleaning will not damage the deck, though a bleach-base cleaner may cause uneven color if left on longer than 30 minutes. When you're ready to tackle deck cleanup: 1. Tidy up. Clean off floors, railings, and ledges, and remove the deck furniture, too. 2. Read the instructions. There are some amazingly caustic chemicals in deck-cleaning solutions, so read the label and follow the instructions. 3. Apply the cleaner. Wet the deck with water before using any chemicals. Apply the cleaner with a sprayer, mop, brush, or roller; let stand. Do small sections at a time, making sure you rinse with a garden hose before the cleaner solution dries. 4. Clean your deck based on the sun it gets. If your deck sits on the south side of the house and gets sun from sunup to sundown, clean it once a year. If your deck sits on the north or west side of the house, you'll need to clean it only every two to three years.
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Insured and Guaranteed - Since 1993 303-781-DECK (3325)
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