Maintaining your wood deck requires a bit of forethought and knowing when and where issues must be taken care of.
If you own a wooden deck, it’s likely to take a good deal of abuse over the years. Wear and tear is only natural and it’s a good indicator that you’re actually getting as much use out of your deck as you ought to. Over time, foot traffic and exposure to sunlight or other natural elements can end up causing some damage. Taking care of a wood deck isn’t the most difficult thing in the world. Keeping your wood deck looking pristine just like the day it was installed is possible, but it requires a few tips to get you there.
Prevent Grease
Many people use their wood deck as an outdoor cooking space by installing a grill. That’s a great way to use your deck, but you do want to remember to always use a grease catcher. If you don’t use a grease catcher, you run the risk of grease stains building up which can be difficult to remove.
Regularly Sweep and Shovel
Take the time to regularly sweep your deck off and prevent the accumulation of dirt or leaves. These can ultimately stain your deck and cause issues down the road. If there’s snowfall, you want to shovel your deck off as soon as you can for the same reason.
Clean and Seal
Your deck should always be sealed. This should be done every 2 to 3 years, which protects against the natural elements and prevents fading or discoloration. You can do this yourself but it’s important that the surface of the deck is cleaned completely and, if doing it yourself, you may want to do it annually just to ensure you’re covering your bases.
Pay Attention to New Decks
New decks need to be professionally cleaned to get rid of any mildew spores in the rood as well as any surface impurities. Once this is done, the new wood deck can be sealed with a waterproof sealer. That said, you want to give your deck two months before staining it.
Do Repairs Promptly
If any damage occurs, you want to take care of it sooner rather than later. Rotted boards need to be replaced immediately otherwise you may have to replace the entire deck later on. Take the time to tighten loose boards or railings as well.
Trust Eastern Shore Porch and Patio
When you embark on your next project to erect a pergola on your property, trust Eastern Shore Porch and Patio to help. We service Bethany Beach, Ocean City, Lewes, Salisbury, and the Delmarva area. You can request a quote today! If you have questions or concerns, call us at 302-436-9520 or send us an email at info@esvinylproducts.com. For updates and ideas, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Youtube.