The 1-2-3's Of Deck Care

While a deck for your backyard can be an enjoyable and value-adding addition to your home, some people end up becoming unsatisfied with their initial investment. Their deck started harboring filthy stains, the wood began to age and decay, and after just a few years, their once-beautiful deck became an ugly, unsturdy mess.

One major reason why lots of decks break down before their time is because their owners fall short on their deck maintenance. However, it's actually not too hard to maintain a healthy, gorgeous, and long-lasting deck as long as you follow this consistent, simple regimen!

1. Sweep Your Deck ONCE A Week

Many deck owners overlook this simple step, thinking that an occasional pressure washing will suffice. However, sweeping your deck regularly keeps the area looking nice, and by regularly sweeping dust, leaves, and other detritus off of your porch, you're preventing more annoying (and tricky-to-clean) maintenance issues down the line. Dirt and dust can get ground into the wood by our feet, leaves can rot on the surface of our deck, and so on- but if the deck is consistently swept, these elements won't be around to do damage.

It doesn't take much- not every sweep needs to be a deep clean. Just put aside 10-15 minutes every week to give your deck a good once-over with a broom.

2. Soft Wash Your Deck TWICE A Year

Alright, this one might be a bit controversial. Many people advocate for deck cleaning only once a year, and granted, as long as you hit that once-annual mark with your deck cleaning, your deck will probably be fine. However, for the most optimal results, we recommend a soft deck washing closer to every six months. Here's why:

Most people schedule deck cleaning for the spring, and if you're going to only do it once a year, we'd recommend that season too. A spring cleaning helps you wash away any grime or slime left over from the winter to get it ready for the season that it's used the most.

However, we also recommend an additional deck cleaning in the fall. Algae and other organisms can set in during the hot, humid summer, and with your deck being used more in the warmer months, it gets dirty than it does when not in use. Rather than letting the mess sit in your deck all winter, give your deck another good clean in mid-late fall. That way, you'll have an easier time with spring cleaning next season!

3. Reseal Your Deck At Least Every THREE Years

Even if your deck was sealed when it was first built, that protective barrier wears away over time. If you don't touch up its sealant from time to time, you risk your wood being exposed to the elements, leading to the wood aging, drying out, and even rotting if exposed to mold. Your deck should ideally be cleaned, sanded, and resealed once every 2-3 years to keep its barrier strong and to lock out the elements.

Let Us Help You Maintain A Healthy Deck

When it comes to deck cleaning, don't risk unsatisfactory results and wood damage with a DIY attempt- turn to the skilled pressure washing professionals at SOVA Power Wash, LLC! To book us or to request a quote for our deck cleaning service, call us at 434-294-4984.