So there it is, your brand new deck in all its glory. Shiny, new and ready to be the site of barbeques, family gatherings, or just a place to catch a few rays while you relax with a good book and a tall glass of something cold. But how can you make sure that it stays looking this good for as long as possible?
Wooden decks are particularly susceptible to the ravages of the elements, but with proper care and regular maintenance you can keep them looking good for years. Here are the basic steps that you should take to keep your new deck in tiptop condition:
Deck Washing
Because they are outdoor spaces the dirt, grime and dust can build up considerably on your deck over the course of a season's regular use. A good cleaning goes a long way towards preserving the beauty of your deck and is essential before resealing. The home stores are filled with specialist deck cleaners, but you do need to make sure that any that you purchase are suitable for the materials used in the construction of your deck.
To clean you deck properly you need to make use of a pressure washer, as a garden hose usually is not powerful enough to do a good job, and they can usually be rented as easily as they can bought. Be careful not to use too much force, anything more than 1200 p.s.i. can damage both real wood and composite decks.
You can quite safely power wash vinyl decking as well and they can withstand a little more pressure if you are looking for a faster clean up.
Deck Cleaning
Selecting a deck cleaner may seem like a daunting task, as the shelves of the average home center are lined with dozens of different products. A deck cleaner should be used to loosen dirt and make it easy for the deck to be rinsed clean. Most deck cleaner's active ingredients fall into one of three categories; chlorine bleach, oxygenated bleach, or an acid of some type.
Chlorine based cleaners are effective against mold and mildew, both of which are common enemies of wood and composite decks. Some professionals caution against the use of chlorine on real wood decks as it can have a drying effect. If not diluted properly chlorine bleach cleaners may also damage any plants and flowers surrounding the deck.
A gentler alternative is an oxygen based cleaner. They are just as effective against mold, mildew and dirt and offer a more environmentally friendly alternative to chlorine bleach.
Acid based cleaners are often called neutralizers or brighteners and they are perhaps the best choice if you are intending to reseal the deck after it has been cleaned. Whichever cleaner you choose, make sure to follow the directions on the bottle carefully to avoid damaging the deck's surface.
Sealing
When your deck is first built your deck contractor should advise you have often it should be resealed to maintain its appearance and condition. It is usually recommended that resealing begin about 24 hours after the deck has been cleaned. Try to wait until a cooler part of the day as some of the products on the market are rather temperature sensitive.
A sealant will protect wood against moisture but offers little in way of UV protection. UV rays tend to turn wood a gray color over time so the use of a stain every two or three years may be necessary for a deck to maintain its original hue.
