Adding a deck to your home is a great way to increase the value of your property, but it is important to remember that these outdoor living spaces require constant maintenance. Ignoring your deck for more than a few months could end up costing you thousands in unnecessary repairs. Here is a look at three tips that you can use to protect your deck from the elements.
Clean it Frequently
Regularly cleaning your deck is one of the most effective ways to prevent rust, mold, and other forms of damage. Most decks can easily be cleaned with nothing more than a pressure washer. If you aren’t ready to invest in a pressure washer, then you will need to clean the surface of your deck with a scrubbing brush or cotton deck mop. For vinyl decks, you can use mild soap and warm water or a mixture of white vinegar and warm water. According to Keeper of the Home, “you need to be careful when using vinegar. Since vinegar is an acid, it can cut through dirt and can kill bacteria, but only if you use it at full or nearly full strength. So diluting it too much can be a problem, but also using too much can also be another problem. The acids in vinegar can damage natural stone and wood surfaces.”
Trim Your Trees
According to Pinecrest Tree Services, “it is crucial to trim dead limbs as these have a high risk of falling, at which point they may cause damage to your property or even injure someone.” When it comes time to protect your deck by trimming your trees, you must make sure that you have all of the proper safety gear. That includes ear protection, a stable ladder, heavy-duty shoes, gloves, and impact-resistant glasses. You might also want to invest in a telescoping tree pruner that will allow you to remove dead branches without climbing up a ladder.
Reseal Annually
Even if you have a vinyl deck, you will still need to reseal it once every year or two. According to A.G. Williams Painting Company, “sealing your deck is going to create an invisible barrier between the building materials and the elements, and that is going to increase the lifespan of the deck.” If you happen to live in an area that regularly gets heavy storms, then you might need to reseal your deck as often as once every six months. Luckily, sealing a deck is a simple project that should only take a few hours to complete.
Decks are designed to last for decades, but these home additions can easily become damaged if you aren’t careful. In addition to these few tips and tricks, you should also make sure that you regularly inspect every inch of your deck for any signs of damage. Catching and repairing a little bit of damage early on could help you avoid quite a few headaches down the road.
For super durable, low-maintenance decking, get in touch with Creekside Vinyl!