Tips For Taking Care Of Your Wooden Deck
Decks are a very popular feature at the Lake of the Ozarks. From a place to relax and enjoy the beautiful sunsets to a place to spend time with your friends and family, there are many uses for a deck. However, it's important to take care of them to ensure you're able to enjoy it during the summer. Your Lake of the Ozarks REALTOR has a few tips to keep your deck looking like new.
1. Keep the dirt away. While flowers make for a beautiful setting, the dirt and the water that gets trapped underneath could stain the deck's surface. If you have planters on your deck, place them on top of a saucer to prevent staining.
2. Shovel the snow. After it snows, make sure to shovel the snow off the deck as soon as possible.
3. Sweep it up. Prevent the accumulation of dirt or leaves that can stain the deck's surface by sweeping on a regular basis.
4. Catch the grease. A deck is a perfect place to keep your grill, however, grease stains are some of the most difficult to remove. Always use a grease catcher to avoid getting these tough stains on your beautiful deck.
5. Clean and seal regularly. Having your deck professionally cleaned and sealed at least every 2 to 3 years can help protect it from the rain and the sun.
6. Protect your new deck. If you have installed a new deck, having it professionally cleaned help kill any mildew spores in the wood and it removes any surface impurities that may prevent the sealing products from penetrating. After sealing it, top it with a waterproof sealer to protect it from the rain.
7. Always seal your deck. No matter the age of your deck, always make sure your deck is sealed. Having the deck sealed protects it against moisture from rain and dew, which causes the wood to swell. Sealing can also help protect it against the sun, which can shrink and dry the wood. This alternating cycle of expanding and shrinking will cause the wood to eventually warp, cup, crack and gray.
8. All types need to be sealed. Even pressure treated wood needs to be sealed, as it is not protected against the weather. In fact, pressure treated wood without a sealant could be more vulnerable to the weather, as it is more porous.
9. Avoid applying paint or solid stains. It's best to avoid painting or staining your deck with a solid stain, as these finishes require a significant amount of maintenance and eventually peel. Oil-based stains are usually the best because they protect your deck and fade naturally.
10. Don't put off repairs. Replace any rotted board as needed to avoid having to replace the entire deck. Regular maintenance should also include tightening loose boards or railings.
Having a deck can make your home at the Lake of the Ozarks even more enjoyable! Whether you live at the Lake year-round or you have a vacation home here, the could be one of the most used areas of the home, especially during the summer. Hopefully, with these tips, your deck can stay looking new so you can enjoy it for years and years to come. If you're looking for your perfect home at the Lake of the Ozarks, call me today at 573-216-8439.
2. Shovel the snow. After it snows, make sure to shovel the snow off the deck as soon as possible.
3. Sweep it up. Prevent the accumulation of dirt or leaves that can stain the deck's surface by sweeping on a regular basis.
4. Catch the grease. A deck is a perfect place to keep your grill, however, grease stains are some of the most difficult to remove. Always use a grease catcher to avoid getting these tough stains on your beautiful deck.
5. Clean and seal regularly. Having your deck professionally cleaned and sealed at least every 2 to 3 years can help protect it from the rain and the sun.
6. Protect your new deck. If you have installed a new deck, having it professionally cleaned help kill any mildew spores in the wood and it removes any surface impurities that may prevent the sealing products from penetrating. After sealing it, top it with a waterproof sealer to protect it from the rain.
7. Always seal your deck. No matter the age of your deck, always make sure your deck is sealed. Having the deck sealed protects it against moisture from rain and dew, which causes the wood to swell. Sealing can also help protect it against the sun, which can shrink and dry the wood. This alternating cycle of expanding and shrinking will cause the wood to eventually warp, cup, crack and gray.
9. Avoid applying paint or solid stains. It's best to avoid painting or staining your deck with a solid stain, as these finishes require a significant amount of maintenance and eventually peel. Oil-based stains are usually the best because they protect your deck and fade naturally.
10. Don't put off repairs. Replace any rotted board as needed to avoid having to replace the entire deck. Regular maintenance should also include tightening loose boards or railings.
Having a deck can make your home at the Lake of the Ozarks even more enjoyable! Whether you live at the Lake year-round or you have a vacation home here, the could be one of the most used areas of the home, especially during the summer. Hopefully, with these tips, your deck can stay looking new so you can enjoy it for years and years to come. If you're looking for your perfect home at the Lake of the Ozarks, call me today at 573-216-8439.
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