6 Steps To Protect Your Deck

It seems like last week, both you and your deck were being oppressed by the sweltering summer heat. Summer has come and gone, can you believe it? As Autumn quickly sets in, I’m hearing in my head a Rolling Stones song “Time is on your side”(released September 13, 1982)—seriously when it comes to your annual deck maintenance- time is NOT on our side.

For many Fall is a favorite time of year, in this area it is  beautiful. The weather is cooler, the leaves change. it’s an ideal time to wear a light sweater or blanket and relax on the deck with those you love.

While it may seem premature, don’t be froze out. Cold days and colder nights will be here before we know it.

If your deck is showing some wear and tear after being exposed to the extreme seasons of Virginia. Trust your friendly authority on deck restoration and maintenance to make your favorite outdoor living space look new all over again by applying a little first aid.

Here’s our 6 step to-do list to ensure your deck looks great now and endures for years of enjoyment:

1. Pre-Wash (non bleach):  Wood is soft, using a prewash detergent allows us to use less pressure on your wood or composite.
2. Wash: Before making any repairs to the deck, remove dirt, mold and algae with a low pressure, power washer. When using one, be sure to keep the pressure stream  moving. Otherwise, you could gouge the wood. Allow the deck to dry for 48 hours, and then apply a sealant or stain.
3. Sand: Consumer Reports recommends that you sand the deck before every application of seal or stain. Sanding will not only be easier on your hands and feet, but our sanding system will remove the loose soft fibers thus cleaning the grains (better appearance) and makes your stain or seal last longer as they will be covering only good wood!
4. Fix Nail Pops: If you encounter a nail that has worked loose from a board, remove the nail with a cat’s paw or a hammer. Use a screw that’s longer than the nail to reattach the board.
5. Repair Split Wood: If you have a board that’s split down the middle, mark the damaged board next to the leading edge of the first support joist that’s completely past the split. Be sure not to mark an area that’s directly over a joist or you could damage your saw when you begin cutting. Your replacement board may appear to be higher and wider than the existing wood, but it should shrink as it loses moisture.
6. Stain and Seal: Even though pressure-treated lumber resists insects and decay, it’s still vulnerable to moisture and the sun’s rays. To preserve it without changing the color, use a clear wood preservative that contains a UV protector, which will bring new life to the surface while protecting it from the elements. If you want to add color, use an exterior stain in first. Exterior stains come in both solid and semi-transparent finishes. Always use the semi-transparent for the decking area, but try a solid color if you want to highlight railings or banisters; it ends up looking like a painted finish. Exterior stains are available in oil or latex, and both provide fade and mildew resistance.