Deck Maintenance: How Presuure Washing and Care Extends a Deck’s Lifespan
You’ll spend a good amount per square foot to install a deck professionally. It’s a wise investment, but you’ll want to take care of it properly to ensure that it lasts for many years. The greatest method to extend the life of your wood deck is to maintain it properly.
Learn more about the significance of power washing a deck and read other important deck maintenance advice.
Pressure Wash Your Deck at Least Once a Year
Your deck has to be professionally cleaned at least once a year. Power washing the wood helps the protective sealers penetrate the wood even deeper, protecting the deck while acting as a natural exfoliation. Washing your deck with a power washer has a lot of advantages. First off, it aids in eradicating the bacteria that cause the wood of your deck to develop mold and mildew. When doing this in the spring, you also wash away any salt and grime accumulated throughout the winter.
Sand Your Deck Before Sealing
It would help if you let your deck dry completely after pressure washing it. It can occasionally take up to 48 hours. You should lightly sand your deck when it has dried. It is required to remove any splinters or fuzzy areas that pressure washing can leave behind. The simplest method is using a pole sander and 80-grit sandpaper for this task. Avoid the overkill of using a power sander by not doing so.
Choose the Right Sealant
After the wood has been prepared, it needs to be sealed. By doing this, the wood won’t warp, cup, or crack. Your best bet is typically a clear sealant because it will stay longer. If your deck sees a lot of foot traffic, you might opt for a tinted sealer or stain, but it will probably fade. Use of paint, lacquer, or varnish in place of sealer is one error to avoid. The issue is that none of these penetrates the wood; instead, they only leave a film.
Need a power washing service in Santa Rosa Beach, FL? Trust Pompano Pressure Washing to perform the job well. Get your free quote by calling (850) 849-4499 today.