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When the warm weather hits, we want to spend time outside, on our decks. But the winter weather has not been kind to our decks surface.
What can you do to put your deck back into tip top shape?
Certainly, a question that comes up for both new and not-so-new deck owners is how to care for their decks. Here are just a few tips
for you on that all-important subject.
Determine if its time to retreat a deck by splashing water on the surface. If it’s absorbed rapidly, darkening the wood, it’s time for some maintenance.
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The most important thing to remember before applying a protective finish to your deck is to do adequate surface preparation. Just as you would not wax your car without thoroughly washing
it first, you should not apply any sort of coating on your deck without adequate cleaning.
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| New wood decks should be sealed as soon as possible. Many sealers can be applied 30 days after installation. A few sealers can be applied immediately. Cleaning is crucial,
make sure your deck surface, whether new or previously stained, is free from oil, grease, dust, dirt and loose wood particles. Existing decks should be inspected for loose or damaged boards and
repaired if necessary. You can remove some dirt with a hose, but use an appropriate wood cleaner and brightener to be absolutely thorough. You might want to use a pressure washer on weathered
sealers. If you need to remove mold, mildew or algae, you can use a product specifically suited to that task. If your deck is severely weathered you may need to use a floor sander to restore
the woods natural color. Proper preparation is key for long lasting protection and will improve the durability of a sealer or stain. |
| Something to watch for on new wood is mill glaze. If this glaze is not broken, any coating you apply will fail prematurely. You can eliminate mill glaze by using
mechanical abrasion (sanding) or buying a product suited to that purpose. |
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There are a variety of products you can use to coat your deck, from clear wood finishes to translucent to semi-transparent to solid-color stains. The type of product
you choose will depend on a number of factors, including the amount of protection you desire and how much you want to see the natural grain of the wood.
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| Many sealers can’t be applied until a cleaned deck has dried. This can take up to three days. For the convenience of a one day project some advanced sealers
can be applied to damp, freshly cleaned wood. Always follow the manufacturers instructions listed on the label. When choosing an applicator, remember that
paint/stain pads are often one of the best but least known ways to apply sealer or stain. When staining your deck, be careful not to apply too much of the product.
You don't want to get surface film on the wood when what you're really going for is penetration. Also, be sure to keep a wet edge so you don't get unsightly lap marks.
Apply stain in the proper weather conditions. Avoid applying the product in direct sunlight, and be sure there is no chance of rain for the next 24 hours.
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| It often only takes a year or two for a fresh-looking deck to become dreary. Where you once enjoyed barbecuing and chatting with friends, you now dread to tread. Often,
however, what looks like severe damage can be fixed with a little elbow grease and the right products. Give your tired-looking deck a facelift sooner rather than later.
Wood that is left unprotected will soak up moisture, leading to serious damage. Because decks are in rough environments--harsh sun, foot traffic, rain, snow, and ice--
you may need to treat your deck on a regular basis, perhaps even once a year. |
