Keep your deck looking and safe by performing routine maintenance and monitoring for signs of needing san antonio deck repair after you’ve installed the best deck for your house.
A checklist for deck maintenance
You can prevent safety issues on your deck by following these san antonio deck repair care tips.
Get rid of stains by sweeping the deck:
- Regularly clean your deck’s surface to prevent mildew from developing.
- After sweeping and spraying it down, use a wood-safe cleaner to remove stubborn stains.
- If you have a wood deck, spray it with a hose to remove pollen and other contaminants.
Composite decks can be cleaned with composite deck cleaners.
Make sure the flashing works: If your flashing doesn’t prevent water from getting between your deck and house, make sure you replace it. It’s necessary where porches, decks, or stairs attach to walls or other structures.
A secure fastener: The nails, screws, and anchors on your deck railings, stairs, and handrails should be tightened and replaced if damaged or rusted. Check the railings on your stairs and handrails for looseness and secure them.
Deck power wash: The deck might need a deeper cleaning sometimes, even if you keep up with routine maintenance. Power washing might do the trick if you have caked-on dirt or stains. Follow the directions carefully and only power wash as needed to avoid damaging your deck. The deck should be power washed only sometimes if it’s finished right.
Deck reseals: In most cases, composite decks don’t need to be refinished because they have built-in UV protection, so you don’t need to reseal them every year or two. During this time, rain and UV rays can cause wood deck finishes to deteriorate, resulting in discoloration and peeling. The best way to maintain a wood deck is to reseal it periodically. Your deck will look good and be protected from wear and tear if you perform seasonal home maintenance.
Considering this, waterproofing isn’t recommended because it could be more durable. It is likely to crack, peel, and discolor due to the sun. An oil sealant penetrates the wood and provides a stronger seal. Besides not cracking, peeling, or turning yellow when exposed to UV rays, oil sealants can be purchased in tinted versions, so if you want to color and seal your deck simultaneously, you don’t have to go through a second step. Find out how your home will be protected from UV rays regardless of the finish you choose.