Installing A New Deck? Tips For Caring For Your Deck In The Spring And Fall
If you are installing a new deck, you must learn how to care for it properly. This will ensure that the deck stays in great condition and lasts you a long time. Below are some tips on taking care of your deck in the spring and the fall.
Spring Maintenance
During spring there is generally a lot of rain. This rain can result in mold and mildew build up on your deck. Doing the proper maintenance can prevent the mold from starting, however. Every spring remove all items from the deck and inspect the deck for any signs of damage, such as cracks. If you see any of these things, hire a professional to repair the damage for you.
You next need to clean your deck, as there is likely built up dirt and grime from the winter months. In order to do this, use a mild soap mixed with warm water in a bucket. If you have a wood deck, you can use a garden sprayer to spray on the cleaning solution and then use a brush with stiff bristles to remove stuck-on grime. When cleaned, let the deck completely dry for a couple of days.
Once the deck is dry, you need to put a sealant on it. You can purchase sealant at home improvement stores. Follow the directions on how to apply it to your deck. Before you start, look for any nails that may have popped up or screws that have become loose, and fix these things first. Plan on putting a sealant on your deck each spring to keep it maintained.
Fall Maintenance
The best time to do fall maintenance is in the early fall right when you start seeing the leaves change color and the temperatures start cooling down.
If you do not wash and seal your deck in the spring as stated above, you should do this now before you do anything else. Walk around your deck and check if there are any tree branches growing too close to the deck. If so, hire a tree trimmer to trim these branches back for you.
Remove everything from the deck and ensure it is clean. If not, give the deck a good washing. If you sealed it in the spring, you do not have to worry about resealing after you finish washing.
Move plants that you may have inside, and remove outside furniture, such as tables and chairs, to a garage or other enclosed space if you have long, cold winters. Depending on what the furniture is made of, the material may rot or deteriorate if you have a lot of cold months in the winter.
Talk with the company that you hire to install your new trex decking deck for more maintenance tips.
