Decks are a popular addition to many homes throughout California. Decks allow households to use more time outdoors and extend out the living space. However, as decks withstand a lot of abuse from the outdoor elements, the longevity of a deck is always threatened. To ensure your deck’s longevity, Jeff the Painter will share what you can do to extend the life of your home’s deck.
Keeping Porch or Deck Clean
On way to secure your deck’s longevity is by keeping the deck clean. A neglected deck can develop rot, mold, and mildew. Most decks will used wood for its framing which requires assistance to survive the outdoor elements. Rot can occur when a deck is not kept clean. Make sure to sweep off leaves and debris as they help to hold in moisture. Rinse the surface off with water from the garden hose or pressure washer. If mold or mildew is discovered on the deck, use a deck cleaning solution to remove and prevent their spread. With simple cleaning you can prevent a number of damages to the deck and tend to repair them as soon as they develop.
Refinish Deck or Porch
A deck will, at some point, need to be refinished. Depending on the deck’s protective layer such as paint or sealer, the need to refinish the deck will vary. The quality of materials is a factor as well. Sometimes you will need to refinish a deck every 3 years while other times you can go as long as 5 to 8 years. When refinishing a deck you will need to remove the upper layer of paint or the stain/sealer. The wooden surface will need to be sanded down, and holes will need to be filled in. Before reapplying the paint or sealer, the surface will need to be cleaned. It is important to be detailed in each step of refinishing a deck. Never prolong a deck’s refinishing or it will begin to degrade very quickly. With proper maintenance a deck can last for decades. If needed seek professional help refinishing your deck if you lack the time or ability. With professional assistance your deck can always be refinished on time and correctly.
Tend to Repairs
A deck will always develop small problems that may require quick repairs. As the need for repairs occur do not put them off. Even a small loose nail can be enough to produce a more serious issue. A deck can develop a number of small or big problems. Railing can come loose, a deck may crack, and termites may begin to infest the wood. As these problems emerge, quickly find the solution to prevent more severe damages from developing.
Interior & Exterior House Painting & More in San Marcos, Temecula, Vista, Oceanside, Encinitas, Carlsbad & Escondido, California
A porch or deck is a major investment to a home which can add value to the home in many ways. Replacing prematurely because of neglect is never a good experience. To ensure the health of your porch or deck, make sure to follow these tips to ensure its longevity. If you need help refinishing your home’s decking don’t hesitate to call the professionals. Jeff the Painter provides deck refinishing services and much more.
