Think your deck is impervious to damage because it’s new? Think again. Even pressure-treated wood begins to deteriorate in less than a week if left untreated.
Pressure-treated wood is highly resilient to pests and rotting, but it’s still vulnerable to the harsh extremes of weather. Decks need year-round protection from rain, ultraviolet rays, molds and mildew. To protect your deck, try these expert tips:
Preparation: If your deck needs a makeover, it will have to be prepared and treated first. To decide where to begin, perform the water bead test. Splash a few drops of water on several areas of your deck. If the droplets are absorbed into the wood, it’s ready for cleaning. If the water beads, you will have to remove the existing sealant. Apply a product such as Olympic Stain Stripper to remove previous layers of oil and latex finishes. After sealant is stripped, replace any damaged deck boards and reattach loose decking before cleaning.
Cleaning: To make sure the stain or sealant you apply is most effective, you will need to remove any dirt, algae, mildew or other materials first. Staining or sealing a dirty wood surface can cause...