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TIPS FOR MAINTAINING YOUR DECK
Hardwood Decks oiled once a year last longer ...
For most wood species this again boils down to performing the proper prep and using quality deck staining products. Certain types of wood will need to have yearly maintenance performed on them. TLS services has many customers who have us come out yearly to keep their deck in tip top shape and always looking like a brand new deck!
Things to do to protect your hardwood deck ...
We would not recommend keeping a BBQ grill mat under your grill for a long period of time because it will eventually cause damage to the wood surface. Door mats also absorb or keep moisture under them for a long time. Candle wax will also ruin and damage hardwood decks, in addition to suntan oil. Rusty furniture also leaves damage.
Proper ventilation is needed to prevent moisture buildup ...
Standing water can lead to premature wood damage. Gaps between boards must be free from dirt, debris and twigs; allowing water to drain freely. Air needs to flow in, and around, your deck to prevent moisture buildup. If your deck is over 24" high, make sure air can enter from the sides. Gaps between the boards can be opened, and vents can be installed to solve moisture problems.
Protecting your deck from water stains ...
Adequate drainage is needed for potted plants. Therefore drain holes are located at the bottom of most pots. Setting the pot or planter on the deck surface will leave a stain and may start wood decay in that area. Moisture never has a chance to evaporate between the deck and planter. For large plants use a few cedar or treated 2x2's to separate the planter from the deck. Deck stand-offs can be used not only for planters, they can also be used for umbrella stands or other flat heavy objects of any size. Deck standoffs are small decks that are made out of cedar or treated pine.
Using your deck over winter ...
Many deck owners like to use their barbecues and hot tubs during the winter. To make safe passage across your deck after a snowfall it may be necessary to shovel a path through the snow. To protect your deck, use a PLASTIC SNOW SHOVEL. Shovel (along) the board's lengthwise. A steel shovel may get caught, damaging the wood. If possible remove the shoveled snow from the deck completely. Avoid using salt or ice melters. These products will leave a residue and may discolor or damage some coatings. Plastic shovels can be found at hardware stores and at many of the large discount home improvement warehouses.
Protecting your deck from candle wax ...
When using candles on your deck you should put on a level area to avoid spills. Or place a safe container under candle. If you do have a spill on your deck use a putty knife to remove the bulk of the wax. Then you can apply hot soapy water and blot it up. You might try a wax and grease remover. But first try it on a small inconspicuous area to assure there will not be any discoloration. We have had the best luck with our steam cleaner. Hot water and a little pressure will do wonders.
Maintaining your deck though the season ...
Deck maintenance is essential. Thoroughly sweep surface of your deck. Clean your deck using a medium synthetic brush, garden hose and our TSP Cleaner. It will remove the dirt but won't harm the finish. Always remember to follow directions closely. Cleaning your deck between coating will help maintain the beauty of the wood.
Woodpeckers destroying your deck?
If your are having a woodpecker problem try buying some plastic owls or rubber snakes. Lay them down by or on your deck. You will be surprised on how fast it works to scare the woodpecker away.
More Tips
Time for some straight answers on wood care and wood care products.
We
are going to name names, identify strengths and weaknesses, and let you
know what true wood care contractors (not product salesmen) are saying
about the products on the market today. It is our goal that you will
read this information and use it to make the best decision possible for
you, your property, and your wood care needs.
Anything
that forms a film is destined to crack, peel, and fail. This includes
paints, solid stains, acrylics (last a very long time), anything that
advertises a 'shiny' finish and all latex based products. Once this
happens, sanding, scraping, or chemical stripping is required to remove
the failed areas before a new coat can be applied or the new coat will
most assuredly fail prematurely. Further, because they form a film,
most do not breathe and they can trap moisture in the wood.
Certain
oil based products are considered best because they tend to penetrate
into the wood and allow it to breathe. These do not form a film and
maintenance is typically very easy with the highest quality products.
Ready Seal, for example only requires a light wash and a light
recoating about every 2-3 years for maintenance. The long term cost
effectiveness for this level of protection is unsurpassed in our
opinion.
Types
of oil are important. Any vegetable based oil (Linseed, tung, etc) are
considered mildew food. Even though they are oils, most are film
formers. They are full of natural sugars and are a fantastic food
source for mildew and mold. You do NOT want these types of products.
You want products that are formulated from organic oils (crude oil).
These
do not have the natural sugars and do not naturally support mildew and
mold. The addition of mildewcides to these types of products makes them
highly effective in all climates (especially ours) at minimizing this
effect even further. Also, products that are properly formulated such
as Ready Seal and Wood Tux are fully VOC compliant for EPA standards.
Wax
based products (Thompson's) are not long lived. Like the wax job on
your car, they form a film. This wax wears off incredibly fast,
generally in as little as 6 months. Stripping is required every time
for renewal.Clear
sealers typically do not have any UV protection. This will allow your
wood to be ravaged and turned grey by the sun virtually before your
eyes. Always go for something with tint. Generally speaking the darker
the better.
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