March 27th, 2017

How to Maintain your Deck

Decks are exposed to the elements all year round. You should have a routine of upkeep that will protect your deck and prevent expensive repairs. If you follow this simple maintenance schedule you can help keep your deck safe, sound, and looking great.
Wash your deck. A dirty deck invites mold and mildew, which can cause rot. Follow these steps to wash your deck:
1. Remove debris from between deck boards using a putty knife.
2. Protect all plants. Wet and cover them with plastic sheeting.
3. Thoroughly sweep the deck.
4. Choose the right cleaner.

• Wood deck: Use a standard deck cleaner and follow the directions.

• Composite deck: Use a cleaner specifically formulated for composite materials. Use a commercial degreaser and detergent for grease and oil stains.

• Vinyl (cellular PVC) deck: Use warm water and a mild soap to remove mold, mildew, and dirt.

5. Clean the deck. Choose a cloudy day when the decking is cool or the sun will evaporate liquids.

• Wood deck: Use a paint roller, a garden sprayer, or a stiff-bristled broom to apply the cleaner. Let it soak according to manufacturer’s instructions (usually about 10 minutes). Rinse thoroughly with clean water.

TIP: Start from the top and work your way down. Clean overheads, rails, and so on....

• Composite deck: Scrub with a soft brush. Do not use a pressure washer — it can permanently damage the decking and will void any warranty. Remove rust and leaf stains with a deck brightener containing oxalic acid.

• Vinyl deck: Scrub in circular motions using a stiff broom, then rinse thoroughly.

6. Let deck dry. Wait two days before sealing.