A well-maintained deck is a fabulous addition to any backyard. As long as you keep your deck in top shape, you'll enjoy parties, cookouts and evenings watching the sun set from just outside your door. To make it last, though, you'll need to have a great deck cleaning routine.
In order to maintain a wood deck properly, you must annually inspect and assess its condition. Look for any loose boards and mend them. Check the structural integrity of the deck. Fix what you are able to fix and get professional help if the repairs are beyond your skill level. Make sure there is no rotting wood, which is often discolored and soft. Replace any elements of the deck that are rotten. Look for loose nails and screws and tighten them.
After you have taken care of the deck structure, you are ready to begin deck cleaning. Start by removing any loose paint with a scraper. Use a sander on any loose paint that isn't removed by scraping. If you need to remove paint or varnish, you'll need to get the appropriate chemicals. Apply them carefully and use the proper precautions. Protective eyewear and chemical-resistant rubber gloves are essential at this step.
Once you've removed loose paint and stripped the varnish, you're ready to apply the deck cleaner. There are a variety of deck cleaners to choose from; you should use the type that your deck needs. Chlorine bleach cleaners are terrible for wood decks, as they are harmful to the wood. They also leave an unnatural residue. Oxygen bleach deck cleaners can safely remove mildew stains. They also are great for restoring the color to a sun-damaged deck and removing dirt. Oxalic acid deck cleaners effectively remove tannins from wood decks. Thorough deck cleaning usually requires a combination of oxygen bleach and oxalic acid to completely remove any stains from the wood.
Now that you've procured the proper cleaning solutions, it's time to prepare the surrounding areas. Cover any plants near the deck and spray the area with water to dilute any chemical overspray. Mix the solution according the directions, being sure to wear your protective eyewear and gloves. Working in small sections, spray the cleaner and let it sit for the prescribed amount of time. Scrub with a deck brush, then rinse. Make sure that you scrub with the grain of the wood. Move to the next section of the deck and repeat the steps.
After you've cleaned your deck, let it dry for at least two days before resealing. When the deck is completely dry, select the finish you want. Avoid using paint. Make sure the finish you choose is water-repellent and resistant to ultraviolet rays. Use a roller for the large parts and a brush for the handrails. The wood will soak the sealer quickly, so it's likely that you'll need to generously apply the sealer. Once it dries, you're ready to get the party started.
As long as you keep a deck cleaning and resealing routine, you'll enjoy many years of comfort in your backyard. Wood is highly susceptible to the elements, but with a little tender loving care, it will last a lifetime.
Author Resource:-
Learn more about decks and deck cleaning or contact Shane Hester at WebFirstCreations for quality blog marketing .
The Free Ride In Public Schools 27 Nov 2008 at 11:28am
Why should public-school students bother doing homework or studying hard if they advance to the next grade no matter how bad they do in class? That would be dumb, and these kids are not dumb. Punishing the Victim -- Why Public Schools Pressure Parents To Give Their Kid... 27 Nov 2008 at 11:28am
It is normal for bright, energetic kids to be bored in public school. To solve the problem of "unruly" children, public schools now pressure parents to give their kids potentially dangerous mind-altering drugs. The Graceful Art of Defrazzling - For Mothers 27 Nov 2008 at 11:28am
An introduction to a "defrazzled" method of surviving life as a mother
If you are interested in learning about and discussing social services and social services agency management, please visit SocialServicesAgencyManagement.com where you will also learn about the new ecological model of excellence.
![[Valid RSS feed]](http://www.IntuitiveLeadership.net/images/icon_Rss.png "XML Feed For RSS"){kind=icon}
Category Rss Feed
Print This Article
Add To Favorites
