Deck Cleaning and Maintenance Part 1

Staining versus Painting:

Experts will tell you that painting your deck wouldn’t be in your best interest. Apart from the specially designed decks that are slanted, most decks acquire a horizontal form which only lets the paint to lay there if painted hence holding water from rain in the process. In fact, painting using solid-colors will only enhance moisture retention in your wood and as the boards expand and contract during the varying weather fluctuations, your paint will likely chip off. Besides this, you will also end up with rotting wood that may bring about other health hazards such as mold.

You can however opt to use a quality stain and sealer to bring the shine to your deck. These two agents deeply penetrate your deck boards to the last grain, prior to sealing it without facilitating moisture retention. Rather, the stain leaves room for moisture to escape through hence deterring your wood from cracking, chipping or peeling as it expands and contracts. Note that the more tinted your stain will be, the better protection it will offer against moisture and fading.

Contrary to common perception, staining and sealing your deck shouldn’t wait. Most are of the opinion that leaving your wood to season for about a year or so is the right step to take before staining it. This however, only leads to water damage and mold growth eventually. The only action that should be taken before staining your wooden deck is professional power washing, to get rid of every dirt spec, sealant and stain among other pollutants. It is of paramount importance to let professionals handle this action, to avoid splintering your valuable deck alongside other damages.

Contrary to common perception, staining and sealing your deck shouldn’t wait. Most are of the opinion that leaving your wood to season for about a year or so is the right step to take before staining it. This however, only leads to water damage and mold growth eventually. The only action that should be taken before staining your wooden deck is professional power washing, to get rid of every dirt spec, sealant and stain among other pollutants. It is of paramount importance to let professionals handle this action, to avoid splintering your valuable deck alongside other damages.

If you decide to DIY, then be prepared to get down to business. What you think could be a two-day job may end up taking several days if not weeks. There are several quality deck maintenance companies that you can consult, to get the best ideas and tips as per your needs. Doing this not only gives you peace of mind, but also guarantees durable and quality finishes in the long-run.

Sealing the deck:

Even the best staining products eventually fade off especially if your deck is exposed to the varying weather conditions and traffic. However, you can extend your deck’s lifespan and shine by simply sealing it to give it optimal protection against varying factors. But how can you know if your deck needs sealing? Simply sprinkle some water on your wooden boards to see if it gets seeped into the wood. If this happens, then it is about time that you reseal your deck for protection.

The deck sealer you settle for will determine the outcome hence not a factor to gamble with. Go for a quality product and allow the wood to properly dry after cleaning, before application of the sealing product. Various tools can be used in application ranging from a simple foam roller, to specialized applicators that make it a less daunting affair.

Note that water-blocking sealants and stains work hand in hand to protect your deck; with the former from water damage and the latter from the harmful ultra-violet rays produced by the sun known to cause graying. Always remember to follow the product instructions keenly if you DIY and wear protective gear while at it.

Cleaning your deck:

Quality is never an accident; it is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, intelligent direction and skillful execution; it represents the wise choice of many alternatives. Please contact us if you would like any additional information about our professional interior painters.

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