Decks
How to Protect Your New Deck
 
by Woodrow Aames
 
Mushrooms taste great in salads or atop your favorite steak, but they can contribute to deep molds and fungi that discolor and weaken your new home deck. It's obvious that you should clean your wood or vinyl decking regularly to enhance the look of your patio. It doesn't matter whether you've chosen the perfect stock or custom decking. You have to protect your materials.
 
If you want to build a deck on your own, or have it installed by professionals, you'll still need to sweep it clean, apply stains and sealers, and occasionally do a deep wash to maintain the long-term value on your investment.
 
Invaluable Ideas Deck
Before you go through a season, be sure your new deck has been treated and sealed. Water-based sealers are known for durability, although they don't enhance wood colors as well as oil-based stains. There are also synthetic sealers on the market.
 
Solid stains can cover the natural wood grains on your new deck, so be advised you're trading long-term durability for overall appearance. Once you've stained the deck, your main concern is cleaning and maintenance.
 
Mildew, algae, and mushrooms. Ugh. High-pressure washers are the rage, however pressure washing can make matters worse if the wood deck has sun damage and cracks. You don't want to blast your home deck to pieces. Many home deck contractors recommend the use of an oxygen bleach to remove ugly intruders without harming the wood. Be sure to clear away all the twigs or leaves that can settle in the seams and cracks.
 
You shouldn't let the cleaner dry. Keep the deck wet until you're done, let it penetrate into the wood, then hose it off completely. If water beads up on your deck, chances are good that your sealer is working well. If not, you may need to use a sander on the home deck (using self-sharpening aluminum oxide paper)and seal the deck again.
 
About the Author:
Woodrow Aames has written articles and profiles for Yahoo, Microsoft Network, Microsoft Encarta, and other websites and print magazines around the world. He holds an MFA degree and has taught English abroad.
 
Source(s):
Tim Carter     Deck Cleaning and Sealing 

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