At this time of year, many homeowners start to tackle their list of spring cleaning chores. Those tasks that you find yourself completing only once a year. An area that is often overlooked is the deck. This should always be added to your spring cleaning list. To extend the life of your deck, it requires a certain amount of maintenance and this is the perfect time of the year to do it. Bill Engler Painting is here to share some tips to get your deck cleaned and ready this spring.
Check Your Deck for Any Problem Areas
This is a great time to thoroughly inspect your deck for any problem areas. This might include loose floor boards, nails that are popping up, and any signs of rot. These all need to be repaired before you can move further in maintaining your deck. If areas of rot aren’t resolved, the damage will continue to spread and get worse, leading to higher costs in repairs. If your deck is constructed out of vinyl or composite, you may not have as many issues as one made from real wood, but this is a still a good opportunity to give it a good once over for issues regardless.
Time to Clean Your Deck
During this thorough cleaning, you will need to remove all furniture, potted plants or other objects that are on your deck. Sweep your deck completely, including between the floor boards to remove any and all debris. Depending on what material your deck is made of, you will need specific cleaners designed for it. It is important that you always follow manufacturer’s instructions when using deck cleaner. Also, some deck cleaners require a certain period of time set aside for soaking, so take that into consideration. After cleaning is completed, allow your deck the appropriate time to dry completely before sealing, painting or staining. You don’t want to deal with mold and mildew problems because it didn’t have the opportunity to dry all the way.
Sealing & Staining or Painting
Staining or painting doesn’t need to be done every year. You should be able to get 2-4 years out of stain or paint depending on the weather and elements you deal with in your area. You will be able to go longer between these processes if you are cleaning your deck regularly. If you have chosen to stain your deck, you will need to seal it to protect it. Allow a day or two for the stain to dry completely before sealing. You can choose sealant that is either transparent or semi-transparent, and should only use a sealer that is repels water.
Deck Painting & Staining, Interior & Exterior Painting & More in Shillington, Muhlenberg, Wyomissing, Sinking Spring, Exeter, Wernersville & Greater Reading, Pennsylvania
Maintaining your deck will extend its life and help you avoid costly repairs. At Bill Engler Painting, we offer deck pressure washing, painting or staining and sealing. We use only the highest quality in paint and stain so that it will stand the tests of time. Our trained painters will prepare your deck for another year of enjoyment. Call us today!
