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A wooden deck serves many purposes. It can be a part of your garden landscaping or an extension of your living area. For some homeowners, a deck can take the place of a concrete patio. However, a wooden deck needs regular care and maintenance. Wood is vulnerable to extreme weather changes, after all. It can deteriorate after some time, with sun exposure, humidity, and rainwater impacting its durability.
Here are some things you can do to ensure that your wooden deck remains beautiful and valuable for a long time.
Clean the deck
You should clean the deck thoroughly before you apply sealant or preservative. It is crucial to ensure that the coat of the sealant will firmly adhere to the surface. Sweeping and mopping will not suffice. Most decking services recommend using a pressure washer to ensure the removal of grime and other loose particulates on the entire surface and in the gaps between the boards. But be sure to use the appropriate pressure when using the power washer. Start with the lowest setting and gradually increase the pressure as needed.
Seal the deck
Even if you used treated wood on your deck, it is wise to add another layer of protection, as the timber can deteriorate faster than you expected. For example, you can use Durabak bedliner to make your wooden deck waterproof and skid-proof. Making the deck floor non-slippery can increase safety, especially for active children and adults with limited mobility. A wood sealant can cover cracks and splits on the surface, prevent nails from rusting, and give the surface a smooth or textured finish. Sealing the wood will protect your deck from moisture and UV light damage, consequently preventing mildew and mould growth. You can also ask waterproofing deck experts to further give you options.
Provide regular upkeep
Although the surface of your wooden deck may look clean, it is vital to sweep it frequently. Dry or wet leaves can stick between the planks and accumulate. Dirt and other debris can collect and settle between the boards. Food crumbs will inevitably fall on the floor, and bird droppings can be a menace, too. Use a floor brush with long bristles that can work between the boards to remove anything lodged. Use a soft broom from general sweeping and a wet mop to remove grime and bird droppings.
Remain observant
After a few years of taking punishment from the environment and foot traffic, the wood preservative wears down. The flat surface of the wooden deck allows water to stay on it longer. The UV rays from the sun can also be relentless on the exposed wood.
Nails on the floorboards can pop out and cause injuries to pets or people. Some boards may even crack or warp. The sun, rainwater, and dirt can discolour or stain the finish. Thus, it is critical to remain observant so you can spot loose treads, mildew growth, insect activity, etc. and develop a plan for seasonal maintenance.
Sweep the wood deck after the rain to prevent wet leaves and debris from sticking to the surface. Choose a sunny day when you plan to give it a thorough cleaning or seal the deck.
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