This season is set to be a scorcher and the sun's intense rays can take its toll on our decking. Whether through fading, cracking through excessive dry air, or bleaching the original colour, homeowners will need to rethink their decking options this summer. Let's take a look at ways we can all keep our decks in tip top condition and free from the damage the sun takes on it regularly.
Decking maintenance tips
Cleaning
The sun is more than just a life force for us: it's also the means by which mould and algae survive. This is exactly why it's important to clean decking as soon as visible signs of rot begin to appear. It's usually wise to try and do this twice a year (immediately before and immediately following the summer) as it will ensure the wood remains strong and impervious to atmospheric damage.
It's a relatively simple process, too. Homeowners first begin the cleaning process by removing any large amounts of moss or algae by hand or using a stiff brush, then brush away any remaining debris from the deck. This provides them with a more open canvas for decking cleaner, which is readily available at many DIY locations.
Decking cleaner should be prepared according to the manufacturer's instructions, then brushed into the deck as thoroughly as possible. An optional step is to really work the cleaning solution into the deck using a dry brush, but any elbow grease given to it when applied wet should be more than sufficient for most jobs. Finally, a simple rinse will remove the chemical from the wood and reveal a more freshly restored deck beneath it.
Restoring
Decking that has faded to a dullish grey colour or is just looking a bit under the weather can be brought back to its original condition using a deck restoring agent. It's very important to follow the manufacturer's instructions though, since leaving restoring agent on wood for too long can deeply penetrate the wood and expose any underlying cracks or cause further damage to existing faults. A general tip is to only apply restoring agent to three to four boards at a time. It also calls for the use of a pressure washer. Don't look directly at the stream!
Before using restoring agent, it's usually best to give the deck a thorough clean to get rid of any loose debris or mould growing close to the surface. This will allow the restoring agent to penetrate the wood as deeply as it needs to without being hindered by surface issues.
Restoring agent should be worked into the wood thoroughly then left to stand as per the directions on the label. Once it has been left to stand for the allotted time, then it's just a matter of rinsing it off with a pressure washer. It's generally advised to apply a protective coat about two days following the restoring process.
Protecting
Once all of the labour has been put into the deck, then it's usually best to keep it looking at its absolute best. Besides regular cleaning and an occasional restoration treatment, there are various options that ensure the wood remains vibrant and durable throughout the years. They should be used once a year in addition to other options used.
The most common and readily available option is ready to use decking protector. This provides a waterproof seal and helps repel rainwater from penetrating the surface and growing into mould. It is generally available as a translucent mix, which doesn't change the appearance of wood. However, it may also be included in stains as an easier to use two-in-one option.
Decking oils penetrate the wood in a similar way to protector, but do this as a way of replenishing the natural oils found in wood. For this reason, it's important to match the oil with the type of wood present in the deck, as mixing oil with an incompatible wood type won't provide any sort of result. Oils provide a vibrant appearance immediately after its use, but should be left to soak for anywhere up to three days depending on the amount of oil used.