Wood decks have long been prized for their warm, natural feel and deeply textured grain. In recent years, capped composite technology and other artificial deck materials have attempted to compete with timber decks by claiming a similar appearance with a potentially longer lifespan.
Yet, it is worth noting that whether you are looking to add a new deck or extend the life of an existing timber deck, there are some simple things you can do to maintain it.
Seasonal changes from winter to spring or fall to winter pose some of the biggest threats to the lifespan of a deck made from natural materials. Things like inclement weather, trapped ice deposits and the freeze-thaw effect can create new problems or transform a minor imperfection into a major issue.
Here at Family Fence of Utah, we are proud to provide our customers with decks, fences and pergolas made from a wide range of materials. Regardless of the material you choose, there are a few simple things you can do to prepare your deck or outdoor entertaining space for the winter season ahead.
The first and most essential step in preparing your deck for a seasonal change is to provide it with a simple and thorough cleaning.
It’s important to remove all potted plants, furniture and decorative features. If you have any accent rugs, they should also be removed. Once all the deck boards have been exposed, you should sweep thoroughly.
Make sure to keep an eye out for any signs of mold and mildew. Not only can these microbial deposits lead to latent health hazards, they can also cause long-term discoloration. Most retail hardware stores carry some form of mildew remover for decks.
Once any debris or potential mildew has been removed from the deck, you can vigorously spray it down using a garden sprayer. You should try to avoid using a pressure sprayer as the high-powered fan or water could potentially damage the deck board, cause chips or affect the finish. Again, your local hardware store will likely carry a deck cleaner with multiple mixing instructions.
In the winter, you should take care when removing the snow. It’s best to shovel along the length of the deck boards. Using a shovel with a hard-plastic edge will also reduce your chances of causing physical damage.
If you have recently had a deck provided by Family Fence of Utah and have questions about how to best maintain it, you can always call 801-836-2841 to speak to a member of our team.
