Did you know that at least 80% of American homes are more than 20 years old? As such, many homeowners are in a quest to remodel their houses. Wooden deck care is part of home improvement projects that you might want to consider.
If you already have a deck, it’s crucial to take care of it to avoid constant deck repair. Wooden decks are likely to deteriorate over the years due to foot traffic and exposure to all weather conditions.
Are you wondering how to take care of your wooden deck? Here are 6 tips that will leave your wooden deck looking new.
1. Pressure Wash Your Deck Every Season
Cleaning your deck annually is one of the best ways to maintain this surface. It would help pressure wash your decks to ensure that it sparkles throughout the year while preventing their damage. Spring cleaning will remove loose wood fibers, stains, and dirt, making it easier to identify any damage on your deck.
When using a pressure washer on your deck, avoid having the steam in one place for an extended time. Other deck pressure washing mistakes to avoid include using the wrong cleanser and unreasonably high pressure. You might want to learn how to use feather strokes and appropriate drying.
If you’re washing your deck mid-season, you can clean up the mud or spills using warm water and safe bleach. Rinse well and allow to dry. You might also want to clean your deck before any deck repair.
2. Sand the Deck
Does your deck appear old due to dulling or peeling? Sanding your deck is like exfoliating, which will leave your deck looking youthful. The process brings new life to a deck that seems to be aging.
Over time, your deck will develop an unsightly greyish hue. It can also start feeling rough when touched. You can save on deck repair costs by just sanding away your deck.
You can use a palm sander, belt sander, or a sanding sponge. With either of these materials, your deck will have a natural, smooth, and beautiful surface. It would be best to reseal the deck as soon as possible as sanded wood can be potentially vulnerable.
3. Seal Your Wooden Deck
Proper deck cleaning requires sealing at least after every two or three years. The sealant will protect your deck from severe damage from water and mold. It further makes your deck appear new.
You can check out your local home improvement stores for deck sealing products. They come in diverse finishes, and your choice will depend on the look you want to achieve. You can opt for stained sealants to give your deck some color or a clear sealer to bring out the natural wood grain.
Whichever sealant you choose, ensure that it matches your deck’s style and color. If you opt to have a complete change of deck color, consider an opaque stain. Once you decide to seal your deck, have proper preparation, and choose the right timing.
It would help to have protective gear such as masks, eye protection, and gloves. Use a paint roller and ensure that the sealant doesn’t dry out or puddle.
4. Don’t Drag Furniture on the Deck
It’s a no-brainer that dragging heavy furniture will spoil your deck. The furniture can scrape the sealer and stain, leaving your wood quite scathed. If you’re bringing in new furniture, you need to be careful when moving to avoid deep gouges.
Instead of dragging, lift heavy furniture from the floor when moving. You can also decide to use a rubber-wheeled hand truck when moving to prevent any damage. For overly heavy items that are hard to lift, try the sliding technique using a moving blanket.
The deck repair cost isn’t something you want to incur now and then. By lifting your furniture instead of dragging, you’ll have saved your deck from damage and unnecessary repair.
5. Replace Loose Nails
Home accidents are some of the leading causes of mortality and preventable disabilities among children. One of the things that can present a safety hazard for both children and adults is wood that’s popping out of the deck.
Increased humidity and temperature changes can cause wooden decks to swell. Consequently, the wood is likely to shift, causing the nails to loosen up. The popping nails are not only an eyesore but also a safety hazard for all home occupants.
Instead of hammering the nails back into the deck, replace the nails with longer screws. You might want to use corrosion-resistant nails for natural woods. Conversely, use plastic-coated screws for treated lumber.
6. Address Damaged and Warped Planks
One of the common deck problems that you can’t afford to ignore is warping planks. Warping is a sign of aging, which might necessitate deck repair or replacement. A deck with warping or tilted planks can make it look sloppy, making one stub a toe or trip. Warping is inevitable, especially if you have had your deck for years. You’ll need to remove the new board and replace it with a new one. The move will protect your deck from further damage.
You can prevent future warping by ensuring that your deck is free from wetness. If you’re already dealing with warped boards, search ‘deck repair near me to have a deck professional examine the problem. The more you stay with a damaged deck, the harder it will be to repair.
Making repairs as soon as you notice a problem will address the issue before it escalates. You’ll save yourself the stress of having to replace the entire deck.
Deck Repair Is One of the Common Home Projects
The deck is one of the areas in your home that suffers overexposure. Unfortunately, most homeowners aren’t familiar with deck maintenance. They end up opting for deck repair after having a damaged deck that could have been saved through proper maintenance. You need to familiarize yourself with steps to ensure that your deck remains sparkly years later. If you’re unsure how to go about deck cleaning and maintenance, talk to the professionals. Are you looking for deck sealing, staining, or any other deck maintenance services? Deck Doc is your ideal partner. Contact us today for all your deck needs.