How to Extend the Life of Your Deck with Proper Care

Decks extend your living space and add a serene view to your home. With proper planning and execution, a deck can change the whole aesthetic of the building. But every good thing needs maintenance to last. Your deck also needs timely cleaning and maintenance to stay in pristine condition. Furthermore, if your deck is exposed to extreme heat, intense UV exposure, coastal humidity, or environmental challenges, you will need specific decking treatments to fix the issues. But which treatment and maintenance process will be best for your deck?

Here, we will discuss the importance of deck maintenance and how proper cleaning can extend the life of your deck.

Understanding Decking Materials and Their Care Needs

There are three types of materials used for decking- wood decking, composite decking, and plastic decking. We will brief these decking materials.

Wood

Wooden decks are one of the most preferred decks among people due to their look, feel, and texture. The unique wooden patterns make the best out of the extended living area. The commonly available wood deck material is pressure-treated wood. Natural woods go through chemical treatments to make the material rot, mould, and insect-resistant.

• Water-based Chemicals: Copper Azole (CA), Alkaline Copper Quaternary (ACQ), and Micronised Copper Azole (MCA) are used to treat the natural wood to protect it against rot and decay. This process is followed when the deck needs to look clean or paint over it.



• Oil-based Chemicals: Copper Naphthenate and Pentachlorophenol (PCP) are used to make the wood water-resistant and protect against insects and weathering.

Composite

An alternative solution to wooden decks is composite decks, where you get to enjoy the look of a wooden deck with fewer hazards. Manufacturers combine different chemical and physical properties to strengthen the base materials. The major components are-

• Wood and Plastic: Blending wood fibres such as wood chips and sawdust with recycled plastic make composite decking materials.



• Wood and Resin: Resin protects from weather damage. Mixing wood and resin in ideal proportions makes one of the best composite decking materials.



• Non-wood and Non-plastic: By combining polyurethane, a high-performance rubber with mineral fibres and coated with elastane, a high-quality composite decking material is produced. It is the most eco-friendly and highly durable decking material.

Plastic

Plastic decking is a variety of composite decking, where the primary material is plastic.

• Polyvinyl chloride (PVC): It contains additives to make it insect and rot-resistant. Use it as a decking material as it mimics wood and can be long-lasting and low maintenance.



• High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE): For the natural wood finish, this decking material is the best, as it has different colours and grain patterns.

Routine Deck Cleaning and Maintenance

The deck remains exposed to external weather throughout the year. Therefore, they are highly prone to damage. Now that you have an idea about different types of decking materials and their care, you need to learn how to keep them clean.

Remove Debris

Include it in your cleaning regime that your deck needs a weekly sweep to prevent buildup and mould. In winter seasons, you may need to increase the frequency. Also, using a power washer or deck cleaner with wire brushes removes stubborn debris from the deck easily.

Decay and Loose Components Checking

Once your deck is debris-free, check the deck thoroughly for wood rots, cracks, or anything unusual. If there is any rot in the deck, cut the portion or remove the entire to install new. If any loose hardware or railings are found, replace them. Sand the rough edges to avoid splinters and check for any stuck nails or screws. If any nails are found, use a hammer to fix it. Wooden decks are also prone to vegetation, later leading to moisture build-up and damage. Therefore, trim away plants or trees nearing the deck.

Deck Protection

After drying your deck properly, you can apply a protective coat of stain or sealer according to your decking material. If your deck is wood, avoid using paint, as it will peel and chip soon.

• Stain: It contains strong pigments that block the UV rays, protecting the wood from drying and fading.


• Sealer: It is a transparent coating that shows the natural pattern and colour of the wood. The sealer also gives protection against rot and mould.

Importance of Professional Deck Maintenance

Professionals hold experience and expertise unmatched by our DIY knowledge. They understand the complexity and its cure efficiently without wasting time and resources. As they go through the hazardous process of deck installation, they can easily detect the flaws during the maintenance.

Furthermore, professionals are aware of the surrounding factors, such as weather, coastal humidity-related issues, or bushfire incidents. With their experience and knowledge, they advise the best care and maintenance for your deck.

While performing their job, they inform you about each process and its significance, enriching you with knowledge. Professional deck cleaning and maintenance offers-

Quality Service

They have the industry's best instruments and solutions to handle any kind of issues efficiently. They use tried and tested methods to turn your worn-out deck into something admirable. Professional deck cleaners also provide a warranty, which assures you of mishaps.

Time and Effort-saving

The deck cleaning process is time-consuming and a slow process. Also, the cleaning steps require long intervals to finish. Therefore, it is hardly a one-day job. In case the deck is large, it is impossible to do it alone. In that case, hiring someone experienced will be better. Also, they can act better in emergencies with the proper care, making your deck last long.

Well-maintained Home

A well-maintained deck leads to a beautiful property. Therefore, by keeping your deck clean and maintained, you can attract potential buyers easily. Many homes prefer to go for deck maintenance and renovation before selling, just to increase the value of their property. In short, professional maintenance for your deck is hassle-free, time-saving, and adds a few years more.

Conclusion

Deck maintenance and cleaning is a daunting task, but it enhances your quality of life. A deck is an extended part of your living area. Therefore, when you clean your deck, you end up cleaning your home as well. Living in a well-maintained place is itself rewarding. So, choose the best decking material for your home accordingly and keep it clean or get it cleaned by a reliable professional deck cleaning team.