If you have a deck attached to your house or installed as a separate structure, you surely want to enjoy that deck for as long as possible and to prolong not only the life, but also the beauty of the platform and the railings. In demand custom deck builders will tell you that the only way to achieve all that aesthetic appeal and durability is through maintenance – here is how a little attention and work can go a long way, preserving the condition of your precious deck.
Clean The Structure Thoroughly
You should always start the season when you will be using your deck the most with a thorough cleaning, then implement some shorter cleaning sessions whenever necessary during the season. Use a biodegradable, eco-friendly cleaning substance that is suitable for the material that your deck is made from. Be very thorough and remove even the smallest spot of dirt.
Perform A Thorough Inspection of The Entire Deck
When the deck is clean, with all the dirt removed, you should continue your maintenance program with a thorough inspection to reveal any damage that has appeared on the deck while it was out of use. Look for forms of damage that are typical for the material your deck is made from – if you have a wooden deck, check for signs of rot, for cracks and for any signs of rodent attacks; if your structure is made mostly of metal, check for signs of rust and corrosion.
Determine The Right Course of Repair Action and Get Down to Work
It is very important to fix all the damages that you find and to do that as soon as you can. Minor wood damage can be repaired with some caulk, but if the problem is more extensive, you might want to consider replacing the damaged board; the best way to repair damaged metal components is usually the replacement of the damaged part.
Coating And Painting
The next important step in your deck maintenance session is the application of a suitable protective coating, followed by the application of paint or stain, if needed. When choosing the best coating product, pay attention to the material and the features of your deck as well as to the climate that your deck needs to stand up to. You can either choose multi-functional products, such as coatings that protect from the sun’s UV rays, from moisture as well as from insects or you can apply multiple products. Make sure to apply the protective coating as the instructions tell you, either before you apply the layers of stain or paint or afterwards. Also pay attention to the reapplication intervals specified in the instructions – most coating and painting products do not need to be applied every year, but they do need to be applied regularly, usually every couple of years, to be able to deliver the right amount of protection.
When you are coating, staining or painting your deck, stay patient for a little longer and do not move your outdoor furniture onto the deck before everything is completely dry.