How to Maintain Your Deck So it Always Looks Great
Decks provide an outside living space for our houses; they are places where we can relax and socialize with family and friends while enjoying the lovely weather. To make the most of these opportunities, make sure your deck is clean and well-maintained.
Your deck will need to be maintained and cared for due to its exposure to the elements and typical wear and tear. The following deck maintenance suggestions and actions by carpentry contractors Sydney should be performed at least once a year, in addition to daily cleaning and upkeep.
Why do decks need to be maintained?
The following are the three basic reasons why decks degenerate:
Sunlight: Because of too much sunlight, decks start drying out and weathering. Timber also gets damaged by the UV light present in the sunlight.
Moisture: When water seeps into the wood, it expands and cracks as it dries.
Insects: Insects like furniture beetles and termites can seriously harm your decks and make them degenerate faster.
Regular Cleaning
The care of your outside space necessitates a thorough cleaning of your deck once a year. Allowing leaves and debris to linger on your deck for lengthy periods of time can cause discoloration, as well as foster mould and rot.
Sweep your deck to remove noticeable trash and grime from the surface as a starting point. Scrub your deck's surface with a soft-bristled brush or broom and a deck wash or cleaning solution — make sure to choose one that's right for your deck. There are solutions designed specifically for composite decks, as well as specialised timber deck cleaners for wood decks. A deck cleanser is essential since it not only removes filth and buildup but also kills mould and mildew. If your deck still has to be cleaned thoroughly, an oxygen bleach solution may be ideal. These, unlike chlorine bleach, will not affect the natural colour of the wood or composite deck and will not harm your plants or garden. Repair and General Maintenance It will be simple to assess your deck and discover any problem areas once it has been cleaned. Look for any boards that are loose, split, or rotten. It's critical that you fix them, put them back in place, or replace the with new ones. If you don't, the deck will deteriorate even more, as the boards will twist and warp. As wood ages, it can expand and contract, causing nails and screws to protrude from the surface. If this is the case, simply use a hammer and a nail punch or a screwdriver to reinstall the nails or screws slightly below the deck's surface. Replace any rusted screws or nails as soon as possible, as they can cause the deck to discolour and the wood to become loose. Sanding and Sealing Allow your deck to dry after cleaning and sealing it, then sand it to eliminate any irregularities or splinters. This allows the sealant to fully penetrate and permeate into the wood, thereby preserving it. The oil will not absorb uniformly if the surface is not sanded back, resulting in marks and uneven coloration. It's critical to protect your deck to prevent it from cracking, splitting, or warping; applying a sealer to your decking planks will also aid with waterproofing. The correct deck sealer, deck stain, or decking oil for your deck will depend on the type of material or decking product you've chosen; ask your decking supplier for recommendations. Protection using a penetrating sealer will usually produce the greatest results. Deck paint and sealers that are left on the surface tend to fade and peel, giving your deck a worn appearance. It's also worth noting that most composite decks don't need to be sealed or stained, so if you're replacing decking planks or building a deck, this could be the ideal option. Washing and cleaning, repairing, and sanding and sealing your deck once a year will have it looking like new in no time, making it a terrific place to spend time year-round and protecting your investment. For more such tips contact the best carpentry contractors in Sydney: Level Headed Carpentry. You can give us a call at: 0412531757.