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Is Deck Maintenance Necessary?
Do New Decks Need to be Sealed?
What Will Happen to a Poorly Maintained Deck?
What Type of Maintenance is Recommended?
Deck Cleaning Preparation
Many homes have a deck. While some decks are made with traditional redwood and cedar (which have natural preservatives in it), many decks are now made from cedar or pressure-treated pine.
Our rough climate requires that most decks receive some attention during the year. The UV rays in the sun and wetness from rain are the greatest enemies of a deck.
Is Deck Maintenance Necessary?
Many decks are made of pressure treated pine. Good quality treated pine will last thirty years or so before there is any substantial decay. However, discoloration and splintering can begin after only a few months. For this reason, most people take on a regular cycle of maintenance. Failure to do so won't cause your deck to rot, but your deck will most certainly become discolored and the surface will become rough and prone to splinters.
Do New Decks Need to be Sealed?
Yes. To ensure that the deck continues to look good with minimal splintering and discoloration, the deck
should be sealed as soon as it becomes stabilized within its environment. This usually means waiting a few weeks after the deck is completed before sealing.
Many people never treat and seal their decks. Untreated decks don't fall down or rot away quickly. Nothing dramatic happens. They will simply get dirty and the surface will become much rougher much sooner. Splinters are a common problem with wood decks. Another hazard is slick surfaces. Much of the "dirt" we see on a poorly maintained deck is actually living organisms. Just like the algae and moss that grow on rocks next to a stream, the organic material growing on a deck can make the deck very slippery when wet. Cleaning and sealing a deck kills, removes, and slows the return of organic build-up.
Approximately once a year, the deck should be checked for loose boards and protruding nails, thoroughly cleaned, and resealed. Cleaning involves the removal of dirt, algae, moss, and other organic matter. Resealing is accomplished applying a clear or semi-clear liquid sealant to all exposed surfaces.
Deck Cleaning Pressure Washing Preparation
The process begins with clearing the deck of furniture, toys, etc. Then cover fragile plants. Next, sweep deck free of large debris. We Check carefully for loose boards and nails that stick up and make any necessary repairs.
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