Yes, it is too hot to do much right now, however, August is a good time to take care of some little odds and ends.
• Check flashlights to be sure the batteries are strong. There will still be some monsoon storms and you don’t want to be left in the dark.
• Check windows and doors to make sure locks work properly and that they are in good condition. Clean tracks and lubricate hinges.
• Repair or replace any cracked windows. Get more information about window replacement at Trades Unlimited. It’s important to do the job right so you don’t create leaks into your home.
• Add security locks or even wooden dowels that you lay in the tracks of windows or patio sliding doors for additional protection.
• Perform garage door maintenance. Click here for an excellent article from Lincoln Electric Door with instructions.
• Repair minor brick and mortar cracks in your exterior walls, foundation, driveway and sidewalks. Call a professional if necessary, especially concerning foundations.
• If you haven´t cleaned gutters for awhile, check them now. They may be full of monsoon trash. You can replace damaged or leaking gutters now, or add leaf guards that will allow leaves to slide off. Make this the last year for gutter cleaning!
Showing posts with label deck maintenance. Show all posts
Showing posts with label deck maintenance. Show all posts
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Deck Maintenance
Deck maintenance is not only important to the homeowner, it is important to the environment. Each year around 3 million new decks are built in the US. Each year another 3 million decks require repairs caused most often by lack of maintenance. These new and repaired decks are a huge drain on the nation’s forests! An average acre of forest yields wood for only two or three decks. So if all decks were properly maintained to make them last the decades they could last, as many as 6 million trees could be saved in 10 years. Let’s talk about maintenance!
Cleaning
Regular cleaning is key to maintenance.
• Sweep dirt and debris off the deck frequently. Leaves can stain a deck and retain moisture which can lead to mold and mildew.
Dry rot is a major deck problem. The fungus feeds on wood. Dry rot often leads to termite infestation. Dry rot requires wet wood. Keeping your deck free of debris which holds moisture will protect you.
• Use planters with feet to prevent stains and moisture retention.
• If your deck is built close to the ground, spread a polyethylene barrier over the soil to keep moisture from seeping up onto your deck.
• Good cleaning products:
Oxygen bleach
Deckwash made by www.Sherwin-Williams.com
Simple Wash made by www.Biowash.com
Stain Solver by AskaBuilder.com
You want a cleaner that will remove oxidation and dissolve hard to remove dirt. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Cleaning with a Power Washer
While it isn’t necessary, using a power washer can make the clean up job faster. But exercise caution! An inexperienced user can damage the deck. Also consider the impact of gasoline or electric powered machines on the environment.
• A proper power washer should provide at least 2000 psi but preferably 2400 psi. Don’t use higher pressure as you can raise the wood grain or even remove a layer of wood.
• For light cleaning, use a 25 degree tip. Use a 15 degree tip for heavier cleaning needs.
• Keep the wand 6-9 inches from the deck surface. Move it in a smooth pendulum motion.
Sealing the Deck
A new deck should not be sealed for the first year. The wood needs to dry out and the fibers need to open. You can treat the deck with a new wood treatment to promote proper weathering.
The deck must be clean before you seal. It also must be completely dry.
You can paint a deck, however, paint won’t hold up as well to foot traffic as a wood stain. Your deck will require less maintenance if you use paint only on railings and balustrades.
Brighteners aren’t required but they can revive the look of the wood. Try:
Revive by www.Sherwin-Williams.com
www.Ewoodcare.com for redwood decks
Wood sealants are most likely your best option.
• Clear Finishes – With no colorant for the wood, these finishes contain water repellant and sometimes preservatives. The best clear finishes contain oils that penetrate the wood and last longer.
• Semi-transparent Finishes – These alkyd stains are more opaque but allow the wood grain to show through. They will penetrate the wood but eventually will fade away.
• Solid Stains – Since the stains site on top of the wood they don’t wear as well. They will fade in traffic areas. They will need to be re-applied annually.
• Deck Finishes – The finishes contain oils or parafins to repel water. They soak into the wood and thus last longer. They also contain preservatives to prevent mildew and mold. UV inhibitors are included to project against sun damage and discoloration.
Regular maintenance can extend the life of your deck by tens of years. Don’t miss this opportunity to save yourself some money and to save some trees!
Cleaning
Regular cleaning is key to maintenance.
• Sweep dirt and debris off the deck frequently. Leaves can stain a deck and retain moisture which can lead to mold and mildew.
Dry rot is a major deck problem. The fungus feeds on wood. Dry rot often leads to termite infestation. Dry rot requires wet wood. Keeping your deck free of debris which holds moisture will protect you.
• Use planters with feet to prevent stains and moisture retention.
• If your deck is built close to the ground, spread a polyethylene barrier over the soil to keep moisture from seeping up onto your deck.
• Good cleaning products:
Oxygen bleach
Deckwash made by www.Sherwin-Williams.com
Simple Wash made by www.Biowash.com
Stain Solver by AskaBuilder.com
You want a cleaner that will remove oxidation and dissolve hard to remove dirt. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Cleaning with a Power Washer
While it isn’t necessary, using a power washer can make the clean up job faster. But exercise caution! An inexperienced user can damage the deck. Also consider the impact of gasoline or electric powered machines on the environment.
• A proper power washer should provide at least 2000 psi but preferably 2400 psi. Don’t use higher pressure as you can raise the wood grain or even remove a layer of wood.
• For light cleaning, use a 25 degree tip. Use a 15 degree tip for heavier cleaning needs.
• Keep the wand 6-9 inches from the deck surface. Move it in a smooth pendulum motion.
Sealing the Deck
A new deck should not be sealed for the first year. The wood needs to dry out and the fibers need to open. You can treat the deck with a new wood treatment to promote proper weathering.
The deck must be clean before you seal. It also must be completely dry.
You can paint a deck, however, paint won’t hold up as well to foot traffic as a wood stain. Your deck will require less maintenance if you use paint only on railings and balustrades.
Brighteners aren’t required but they can revive the look of the wood. Try:
Revive by www.Sherwin-Williams.com
www.Ewoodcare.com for redwood decks
Wood sealants are most likely your best option.
• Clear Finishes – With no colorant for the wood, these finishes contain water repellant and sometimes preservatives. The best clear finishes contain oils that penetrate the wood and last longer.
• Semi-transparent Finishes – These alkyd stains are more opaque but allow the wood grain to show through. They will penetrate the wood but eventually will fade away.
• Solid Stains – Since the stains site on top of the wood they don’t wear as well. They will fade in traffic areas. They will need to be re-applied annually.
• Deck Finishes – The finishes contain oils or parafins to repel water. They soak into the wood and thus last longer. They also contain preservatives to prevent mildew and mold. UV inhibitors are included to project against sun damage and discoloration.
Regular maintenance can extend the life of your deck by tens of years. Don’t miss this opportunity to save yourself some money and to save some trees!
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