Your deck is the most cost-effective way to add a room onto your home. It adds a whole new space for your family to enjoy under the stars.

If you want to keep enjoying it, though, you need to take care of your deck. Start building your maintenance plan with these top tips from our deck treating experts.

1. Know Your Lumber

Not all decks are the same. Deck lumber comes in a wide range of tree breeds, and some types of wood require more maintenance than others.

Whether you're building your own deck or it was already part of your home, educate yourself about your deck lumber. Find out the dos and don'ts from a professional who has worked with that lumber in the past.

2. Keep the Deck Debris-Free

Outdoor debris is a normal part of life for a deck. Leaves, sticks, and other pieces of the environment will try to take up residence on your lumber.

The problem is that it can lead to damage. The debris may hold moisture on your wood, leading to mold. It can also cause stains, bacteria, and other types of damage.

The solution is simple: sweep it off. Use a broom or leafblower on your deck as part of your weekly cleaning routine.

3. Schedule an Annual Deep Clean

On top of brushing debris off your deck, you need a deeper cleaning session every year. There are specialized deck cleaning products that you spread onto the wood.

Those products will kill mold and bacteria that have made your deck their home. They'll protect the structure of your wood will also keeping your family safe from growths that could make them sick.

4. Don't Use Paint as a Sealant

This is a mistake that happens all too often. Someone wants to paint their deck, and they say, "This paint will put a coating on the wood, so that will seal out any moisture."

Unfortunately, that isn't true. Deck sealants seep into the wood to seal it from the inside and the outside. Paints, on the other hand, don't have that power. They can also crack easily and create an open door for water damage.

Instead, use a dedicated deck sealant. You can add paint or stain after sealing the wood.

5. Steer Clear of Chlorine Bleach

Chlorine bleach is a go-to solution for many homeowners when they spot mold. If you see an area of mold on your deck, you might be tempted to use that same bleach to clean it.

The problem is that chlorine bleach can damage your lumber. It damages the cellular structure of wood, and it tends to cause faded, uneven coloring too.

If you see mold, call in a professional instead. Our team has the expertise and the products to truly get rid of mold without damaging your deck.

6. Avoid a DIY Power Washing

Add this to the list of common mistakes homeowners make. A pressure washer might seem like a good way to get rid of stains, debris, and other unsightly deck issues.

Sure, it may get rid of those problems, but it's also likely to damage your deck stain in the process. You also run the risk of damaging your home and breaking your windows if you aren't an experienced power washer.

Bring in a professional instead. We can restore your deck to its former glory without causing further damage.

7. Keep Your Deck Snow-Free

Unless you're a Chicago newcomer, you know that our winters come with piles and piles of snow. The lake effect pours even more snow on our windy city than most areas in the midwest.

When those blizzards come, it's best not to leave that snow on your deck for too long. If your deck isn't properly sealed, the snow will seep into the wood and cause water damage.

The snow can also mask other problems like damage to your deck. If the deck has a solid covering of snow for months in a row, minor damage can become far worse before you realize it exists.

There are two ways to protect your deck from this problem: keep your deck well-sealed and remove snow on a regular basis.

8. Set Up Preventative Pest Control

We've talked a lot about water damage because it's a serious risk to your deck. It isn't the only risk, though. Termites and other wood-damaging pests can wreak havoc on your lumber.

Rather than trying to play catch-up after you find an infestation, take a preventative approach. Get in touch with a pest control specialist and set up a schedule for ongoing inspections.

You'll need an inspection once per year to make sure you're termite-free. If you do develop an infestation, the exterminator will be able to treat your deck before the damage gets too severe.

Your pest control specialist may also recommend other preventative measures like setting up a barrier around your home.

9. Maintain a Consistent Waterproofing Schedule

Like any product that lives out in the sun, deck sealant breaks down and loses its effectiveness over time. For ongoing protection, you need to keep up with a waterproofing schedule.

Our specialists will come to your home to prep and waterproof your deck. It's a quick process that can save you from the financial burden of repairing water damage.

For most homes, it's best to waterproof your deck once per year. However, it can depend on environmental factors and on the waterproofing products themselves. Our team can evaluate your needs and get you started on a schedule for preventative maintenance.

Deck Treating to Keep Your Deck Lounge-Worthy

When that beautiful weather hits, your relaxing and sun-soaked deck is the first place you want to be. If you want to keep it around for the long-term, the deck maintenance and deck treating tips above are essentials.

If your deck could use some TLC, call our deck specialists today for repairs, waterproofing, and more.

The Ultimate Deck Treating Guide: 9 Deck Maintenance Tips You Need to Know

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