Have A Deck? 2 Tips To Take Proper Care Of It

Posted on: 17 September 2021

If you have a deck on your house, there are many things you can do to ensure it is properly cared for. This way, your deck will last a long time. Keep reading to learn two tips so you can start the maintenance process.

Waterproof

One way to take care of your deck is by waterproofing it. Rain, snow, etc., can damage decking, which would result in you making a lot of repairs. Putting waterproofing material on the deck will prevent this from happening. Waterproofing will also prevent mold and mildew from growing on a wet deck.   

To waterproof your deck, you first must clean it well using a cleaner that is specially made for the type of decking material that you have. If there is stuck on dirt, use a stiff brush to get it off. You can use a power washer to clean the deck, too, if you have one. Let the deck completely dry then apply the sealant, starting out with a thin layer. Once the first layer dries, put a second layer for added protection. You can purchase sealant at a home improvement store.

If you do not want to do the waterproofing on your own, you can hire a company to do this for you. This will ensure the job is done correctly so you know your deck will stay in good condition.

Clean and Inspect

Keep the deck clean throughout the year by sweeping it weekly, or more if you use the deck a lot. Inspect the deck for any signs of problems. For example, over time, gaps will appear between the boards. If this happens, this makes the deck unstable, and it should be repaired. Look at the wood closely for any kind of damage. Look under the deck for any wood damage to make sure everything looks sound and in good condition. 

Clean the deck at least twice a year using a deck cleaner. This will help keep it clean, and even if the deck is sealed, you should still clean it if it becomes dirty. Reseal the deck yearly if you use it a lot. If so, do this after the last frost but before you start using the deck regularly again. This will make things much easier as you won't have to worry about moving a lot of furniture out of the way. 

Hire a deck waterproofing company to do yearly maintenance on your deck if you do not have the time to do this on your own. 

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