Isle Landscapers Limited

What maintenance does decking need? Find out more about decking maintenance. We look at how to maintain a wooden deck and the Dos and Don’ts of deck maintenance

How Do I Maintain A Wooden Deck?

Wooden decks are beautiful outdoor elements, but they require maintenance if you want to keep them looking well. They endure a lot of abuse from frequent usage, foot traffic, and continual exposure to the outdoors.

Sunshine and rain may cause wood to twist and boards to bow, as well as attract pollen and fungal spores, which can further the damage. Cleaning, pressure washing, staining, and sealing your deck regularly can help considerably extend its life and prevent frequent deck problems - the surface must be continuously maintained for deck protection.

Deck sealing is an essential part of maintenance because it shields the wood from moisture like dew and rain that can cause it to swell. Additionally, sealing shields your deck from the sun, which dries and shrinks wood.

Wood can warp, cup, crack, and age as a result of constant weather wear and strain. At least once a year, inspect your deck. Keep an eye out for weak railings, excessive swaying, rusted or missing fasteners, and cracked or decayed wood.

Tasks For Deck Maintenance

On your deck, you can unwind or enjoy watching the kids play in the backyard. It's where you host parties or cookouts for visitors; like any other component of your house, it needs care to be functional and attractive.

For your deck to remain in top condition, a yearly cleaning is essential. This is particularly true for wooden decks, which require an annual exfoliation to enable protective sealants to permeate the wood more deeply; the optimum time to do this is when it's not too hot, between 15 and 21 degrees Celcius. 

To rid the deck of mould and mildew, use a brush and a deck cleaning solution of your choosing - a sprayer can also be used, but avoid using anything too abrasive, such as a pressure washer; this is due to the pressure's potential to gouge or split the wood.

There are specialised cleaners for composite decking that are effective for various deck materials. When getting ready to seal or stain the deck, preparation is essential - these should be completed before beginning, even if you are only cleaning up well.

Clear the area with a sweep and all trash, and remove any rubbish, leaves, or other clutter; after that, be sure to thoroughly sweep the deck to get rid of the majority of the dust and grime.

Make sure to check for any loosened screws or nails and replace them as necessary; always be sure to inspect the deck panels for any decay or missing boards as well as for any indications of rot; make sure to check the ledger and the railing as well.

Although this essay focuses mostly on a yearly cleaning, it is crucial to routinely maintain your deck. You have to keep in mind that it is constantly outside, therefore, water damage may have happened if water collected after a storm - debris-like leaves, in addition to snow, can also be harmful; if that happens, clean up everything as soon as you can.

This keeps your deck in top condition all year long so that you have less work to do when you conduct your annual cleanup.

Do's & Don’ts Of Deck Maintenance

A deck is a house improvement that is in the open air, it needs routine cleaning and upkeep to be livable and secure, much like the area inside your home; although composite decks require less upkeep than hardwood decks do, neither a self-cleaning deck nor a deck that lasts forever exists.

 Clean The Deck Thoroughly

Exfoliating your deck once a year will allow protective sealants to penetrate the wood more deeply. Apply a suitable deck-cleaning solution with a roller or sprayer while it's dry and relatively warm to kill mould and germs.

 Sand Your Deck 

Lightly sand the surface to get rid of any fuzzy or splintery spots left over from pressure-washing the deck.

Power sanders are excessive; the deck should then be sealed to prevent warping, cupping, and cracking - remember that a coloured stain or sealant fades rapidly with heavy foot activity and that a clear sealer lasts longer..

 Routine Cleaning

Your home's room and walls shield the inside from rain, snow, sun, and wind, but the uncovered deck takes everything mother nature dishes out. Sweep away puddles of water, leaves, branches, and other debris regularly to prevent water damage during the season and in the off-season.

 Pressure-Treated Wood

Pressure-treated wood still has to be cleaned and sealed to survive water and sun damage, even if it could resist decay and insect infestation. Utilize items designed for pressure-treated wood.

 Deck Damage

Check the deck occasionally for rotted or broken planks, loose nails and deck fasteners, and mushy or splintered areas. Repair any damage that poses a risk to your health or safety right away. Before performing your annual deep cleaning, finish additional repairs.

 Nearby Shrubbery 

Cleaners and sealants contain chemicals that can hurt or even kill plants if they come into contact with them. Before you begin, cover all adjacent foliage with a tarp or plastic sheet, but drape it loosely to allow airflow.

 Paint As A Sealant

When first applied, the paint appears fine, but after some time, it starts to look very worn - you must first completely remove all of the paint with a stripper or sander before deciding to refinish the deck with an alternate sealer.

Varnishes and lacquers, among other finishes that leave a film rather than soaking into the wood, can peel and break, and some individuals like to seal their decks with paint - this is a bad idea because even while it may seem fantastic when it is initially completed, it soon begins to appear dated and worn. 

Another inconvenience is that all of that paint needs to be removed if you wish to reseal your deck, be sure to use a synthetic sealer or a semi-transparent finish as an alternative.

 Chlorine Bleach

Chlorine bleach is known to destroy wood on a cellular level, however, an all-purpose substitute that won't fade colours or hurt plants is oxygen bleach, although redwood still shouldn't be treated with it. Your natural wood loses its colour when it is bleached with chlorine.

Additionally, it harms the leaves and plants you have; although oxygen bleach is an option, redwood should not be treated with it.

Bleach is excellent for many home jobs, but choose the proper cleaning solution for your deck; though oxygen bleach can be slightly more expensive, it won't harm the hues or your vegetation.

 High-Powered Washer

A pressure washer might save time and labour, but if used carelessly, it can give the appearance that wood-boring beetle larvae have been at work on your deck. About 8 inches from the deck surface, sweep the nozzle at a small angle along the wood grain.

A pressure washer is great for saving time, but be careful while using it on your deck. To prevent the spray from harming your wood, be sure to move it around often; the entire time your hand is on the trigger, use a sweeping motion and keep it moving.

 Natural Materials 

Avoid using outdoor rugs made of natural fibres such as jute and bamboo to protect the wood deck from scratches caused by chair and table legs: these methods help absorb any moisture and encourage mildew growth.