Many homeowners are looking for ways to keep their deck looking like new especially after a deck repair. If you’re one of them, then read on! This blog post will discuss five tips that will help keep your deck looking fresh and beautiful all year long. We’ll also give some examples of how these tips have been used in the past with great success.
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Clean your Deck with a Power Washer
A power washer is an easy and inexpensive way to clean your deck. If you don’t have a pressure washer, ask a friend or neighbor if they can borrow one for an afternoon. (If you’re hiring someone to do the work for you, this isn’t necessary.) The keywords here are “pressure” and “wash.” You should aim high-powered water at any wooden surface that looks weathered or mildewed. It doesn’t take long before even stubborn grime is washed away with this cleaning method.
Use Outdoor Cleaner To Remove Mildew, Mold & Algae from Deck
Many types of cleaners are available on today’s market designed specifically for removing algae stains from decks and other outdoor surfaces. You can find them in most hardware or home improvement stores. Some are more expensive than others, so it’s important to research before deciding on one of these cleaners.
Apply a Penetrating Sealant Or Coating To Protect Against Water Damage
By applying an outdoor sealant or coating, you will be able to protect the surface of your deck from water damage and general wear-and-tear caused by exposure to harsh weather conditions like rain, snowstorms, freezing temperatures, etc. This type of product also helps preserve the natural look while providing strong enough protection for any high traffic area on your property (such as this example). The best part about using a penetrating sealant or coating is that it doesn’t have to be reapplied often, typically every one to two years.
Replace Cracked Boards with Composite Wood Planks
If you have any cracked boards on your deck, it’s best to replace them as soon as possible. You can use composite wood planks to do this, and it’s a project that most homeowners can do themselves. It’s a good idea to watch a few YouTube videos on doing this before you attempt it. One option is to use composite wood planks made from a combination of recycled plastic and reclaimed wood fibers. Not only do they look great, but they’re also durable and environmentally friendly.
Add Extra Support for Staircases by Adding Metal Brackets on Each Step
Adding metal brackets can provide extra support for staircases on your deck (especially if there is more than one level). This is a fairly easy project that can be completed in just a few hours with the help of a friend. And, it’s something you want to do if you have small children or pets that use the deck staircase regularly. This is an especially important safety precaution to take if your deck sees a lot of traffic or if some children or pets will be using the steps.
Keep your deck looking like new with these five easy steps. Clean it off with a power washer, apply an outdoor cleaner to remove mildew and algae, use a penetrating sealant or coating to protect against water damage, replace cracked boards with composite wood planks for extra support on the stairs—and don’t forget about those metal brackets! This will help you maintain a beautiful home and keep your family safe from harm.