Here are the top 3 deck cleaning, maintenance and preservation tips you need to make the most out of your deck this summer.
From morning coffee to refreshing evening cocktails, your deck sets the stage for the perfect summer. A great deck can support epic feasts with friends and family and safeguard bare feet against wet grass and critters during evening hang outs.
A not-so-great deck? Well, that can be an invitation for everything from mould to mildew and those dreaded wood slivers.
Sure, there are only a handful of decks that make it to the cover of Amazing Deck Monthly, but any deck can be a glorious extension of your home. Let Rümi help you keep it in great shape.
Mould and mildew will cause the wood in your deck to rot. Keeping your deck clean will reduce the gunk that can eat away the wood. Gunk that can eat away at your summer fun, on the deck.
Inspect your deck mid-summer. Pay special attention to all areas that are within six inches of the ground or where water flows (planters, downspouts). Use a flat-edge screwdriver to test the wood for rot. Not sure what rotten wood feels like? Trust us, you’ll know it if you find it. Your screwdriver will sink into the rotten wood with ease, and you’ll be able to pull it away like dry dirt or wet paper towels.
Inspect all areas of your deck:
Pro Tip #1: If an area of rot is smaller than a loonie, remove the bad stuff and fill the hole with wood preserve. Larger affected areas may need to be replaced. Consult a professional for advice.
Pro Tip #2: If a structural component of your deck can’t be replaced, reinforce it! Add a splint of comparable wood with deck screws every six inches. Ensure the splint is secured into strong wood on either end then chisel away the rotten wood and treat the new stuff.
Deck railings should be solid and stable. Fix loose connections by tightening the screws or drilling pilot holes and adding new screws.
Remember to check the ledger. That’s the piece of frame that connects your deck to your house. Ledger failure is the leading cause of all deck collapses! The ledger should be rot free, connected with screws rather than nails, and the flashing (that piece of metal over the top that prevents water from getting behind the siding of your house) should be free of rust or holes.
Think of keeping your deck clean like keeping your teeth clean, you’ve gotta get in between the boards to remove that nasty wood plaque. Use a putty knife to scrape between each board, taking special care of the places where the boards cross members underneath. Yup, you should floss the boards of your deck.
How to wash your deck:
Pro Tip #1: Use a roller or stiff-bristled brush to apply the cleaner. Do not let your deck dry until you’ve applied cleaner to the entire surface. Then let it dry according to the instructions and wash thoroughly with water.
Pro Tip #2: When cleaning wood railings, work from the bottom up. This will minimize the possibility of the cleaner splattering onto already clean surfaces.
Sealing your wood deck protects it from the elements in addition to protecting all those feet that gather on decks from slivers. And using a good sealant will keep it performing well for years. There are many types of sealers—clear, toner, solid—choose the look that’s right for you.
Be sure to wear eye protection, a mask and gloves when applying sealant to your deck. Sealant must be applied to a dry surface, so you’ll need approximately two days of moderate weather and no rain before getting started. Plan accordingly as best you can. We know, we know—Canadian weather can turn on a dime and thumb its nose at the official forecast. Do the best you can.
Congrats! You’ve reached Deck Superstar Level! Following these steps will ensure your deck remains the focal point of your yard for years to come. Now that your deck maintenance is complete, outdoor living is even sweeter.
