Tips to Ensure a Long-Lasting Outdoor Deck

Your outdoor deck will eventually show signs of aging. After all, the deck’s wooden components are exposed to the elements 24/7. As such, taking care of it is imperative. Whether it was just installed or is many years old, you should try to keep your investment in good working condition until the end of its service life.

V. Nanfito Roofing & Siding, Inc., one of the top deck and window companies in the local area, provide tips on how you can extend your deck’s lifespan:

Think of Your Deck as a Kitchen Floor

Many homeowners have the misconception that a wooden outdoor deck has self-cleaning properties. In reality, however, it needs to be cleaned as much as you would a kitchen floor. Spring and fall are the best times to do so.

Like replacement windows, you should inspect your deck for any signs of damage. Hose down debris with water, sand annoying splinters and lift dirt stains with a stain remover. Sweep away fallen leaves to prevent them from rotting in place and spreading mildew.

Clean Before Applying Stain

Lack of preparation is one of the biggest mistakes homeowners make when it comes to deck maintenance. Some even disregard cleaning the deck surface and going straight to staining. This only worsens the quality of the wooden components of the deck, resulting in early failure.

Prior to staining, any splinters or cracks should be sanded down until a new layer of wood shows. Scrub the surface with a stiff brush and a deck wash to remove stains. Do so carefully, though, to avoid stripping the wood’s soft grain.

Stain the Wooden Deck

Of course, you need to dry the deck completely before you begin applying the stain. Give three or more days to let the wood acclimate. Using the stain on a wet surface won’t allow it to penetrate or seep into the wood. Instead, it will just sit on the surface. When you stain, cover as much area as possible.

At V. Nanfito Roofing & Siding, we offer complete services for custom deck design, building and installation. Apart from decks, we also perform window replacement, residential roofing and siding installation services. Call (203) 639-1634 or fill out our contact form to request a free estimate.