Keeping your deck can help maximize it’s life and get it ready for summer use. If you have a deck to enjoy, not work on it! Get your deck ready this spring for summer use. It’s important to clean your deck thoroughly at least once a year. These tips will help you clean your deck quickly, so you can get on to the important stuff like enjoying your deck when the weather is nice!
Sweep & Clear Debris.
First things first – clear patio furniture and potted plants off the surface of your deck. Sweep away the leaves and debris from the winter. Start by clearing around your deck. Trimming back branches and vegetation to about a foot from the edge of your deck. That will reduce the chance of an insect infestation, leaves dropping on your deck, and potential for storm damage.
Use A Pressure Washer For Deep Cleaning.
Next you’ll want to get it wet and clean it. Don’t go overboard with the high-powered washer. Be steady and sure and use even strokes. A pressure washer in unsteady hands, can make your deck look like beetle larvae have been eating your deck. Cover nearby vegetation before you begin because the cleaners can harm or kill plants that are hit with spray, so cover them with a tarp or plastic sheet before you start.
Use Environmental Friendly Cleaners.
Several of today’s deck cleaners are eco-friendly and contain ingredients that won’t damage the surrounding plants. Some include nontoxic household ingredients like vinegar to help break down grease, or baking soda, which acts as a wood brightener on weathered wood. When environmentally friendly deck cleaners are applied with a pressure washer, these milder cleaners can effectively remove deck stains and brighten wood without posing a toxic danger.
Replace Damaged Boards.
Replace a rotted, split, or otherwise damaged deck board. If the board is not damaged but has another imperfection, such as a stain, you might just need to remove and flip the piece of board. If the board is damaged, you can remove it and replace the entire board. You can also replace only the damaged section of the board, which involves cutting out a section of the old board and replacing it with new material.
Stain and Seal your Deck.
Finally deck sealing will protect the wood from splitting, cracking, moisture, mildew, and rot while maintaining the color and grain of the wood. A stain will protect the wood and provide a more uniform tint or color to the wood to complement surrounding structures.
Do you have too much on your plate this Spring? If you have a long “honey do” list, let Johnson Bros help out. Home Remodeling is what we do! Johnson Bros can guide and help your deck cleaning, construction deck, deck painting and sealant protection. We are proud to utilize the experience of our in-house architect and over 35 years of remodeling experience. At Johnson Bros we provide a seamless process for our customers that need both home design and construction. Our concept promotes a team approach, working together to create a project that meets your needs as well as fits your budget. Efficiency for the entire project is condensed, providing maximum accountability for design details, cost management, and scheduling. Need help with your deck in the Seattle, WA region? Got another project in mind? Request a free consultation.