Precision Staining | How to Maintain Your Exterior Wood (Fences, Decks, Docks): Expert Guide

How to maintain your exterior wood( fences, decks, docks)

Josh Richards • Dec 29, 2022

Staying on top of exterior wood maintenance is one of the best ways to protect your home from costly repairs. Because exterior woods are exposed to the elements all year round, they require routine maintenance to maintain their appearance.

It's no secret that wood decks and fencing will eventually get dirty, but you don't have to let them fall into disrepair by leaving them uncleaned for too long. This article will give you some great tips on maintaining your exterior wood to ensure it looks fresh and new for years to come.

A Routine Inspection

Begin your inspection by removing all the items like chairs, tables, and planters placed near your fence or on deck. After clearing the area, walk slowly to check for broken, warped, or rotting boards. Also, be sure to check for any loose nails or unsecured railings. Check for cracks in the wood that could indicate rot or other types of damage. Calling a professional to repair damaged boards is key to maintaining a deck in excellent condition. An annual inspection will also help you spot potential problems before they become complex and lead to a high repair bill.

Be Sure to Sweep Away Debris

Regular cleaning is the best way to protect your exterior wood, to keep it free from debris like pollen, dirt, and dust. These materials can build up and leave unsightly stains. To keep your deck looking new, doing a weekly sweep is a good idea. You can get a great start by sweeping the wood once or twice per week, so you can break up algae and dust by ensuring you clean away any dirt or debris that may land on the surface.

Keep an eye on the area, not only for regular cleaning. But to make sure any spillages are wiped off as soon as possible. Replace any boards that are worn or damaged, such as those that are affected by the insects or become moldy, one at a time. This will save you the hassle of replacing the entire deck.

Wood maintenance during humid weather

Also, you want to ensure your deck is as dry as possible during winter. If left unattended, snow and ice can cause severe damage to wood. The winter elements can cause wood decks to rot and mold problems. These problems can not only impact the appearance of your deck but also may cause structural damage that could lead to unsafe conditions. Maintain a deck that looks great with a shovel, broom or brush. Use a shovel or sweeping tool in the direction of the boards.

Washing and Sealing

Wood decks can be cleaned and sealed with a professional power wash and sealant application. A waterproof sealant protects your wood deck from sun exposure and swelling from rain or dew. A deck that has been power washed before sealing it will remove mildew spores, accumulated debris and dirt that sweeping alone can't get rid of.

Wood decks can often be benefitted from professional power washing and sealant application every year. A waterproof sealant can protect your wood against sun damage and swelling due to rain and dew. At the same time, a power wash will prepare wood for sealing. It will also remove mildew spores, lichen, and debris that sweeping alone can't eliminate.

Expert tip! You can check if your sealant is due for renewal by lightly spraying your deck with water from a garden hose. Your sealant is still effective if water remains (bead up) on the wood. If the water doesn't sink into the wood but instead sinks or absorbs it, it is time to contact a professional for wood staining or sealing.

Make Minor Repairs

Inspecting your wood regularly to find any damage and fix it before it is too late is essential. You can make minor repairs that will keep your deck looking great and save you the expense of replacing your entire deck. Inspecting your wood deck every season and repairing any damage immediately is crucial. Here are some tips:

It would be best if you looked out for rotten wood. Replace boards damaged with rot as soon as you can.

Inspect the nails that hold down boards. If they are loose or have been hammered in with insufficient force, they may come loose at any time and cause damage to your home or property.

Look for rusty screws and bolts. These building materials can rust over time and cause cracks in your wood deck's structure that can also impact the structural integrity of your wood. If you notice rusting screws and bolts, replace them immediately if you find them.

To prevent loose boards from becoming safety hazards, examine your deck for signs of rotted wood. Even if your wood is well maintained, the boards tend to loosen over time. Therefore, check each board one by one, and if you find loose boards, use new screws to tighten each.

Look for places where water can get inside the wood (which can cause rot). This might include defective grates or doors that weren't properly sealed off from rainwater or snow melt water runoff from roofs above them (for example). These can also lead to mold growth inside your home if left unchecked over time.

Maintain with High-Quality Deck Stain

To ensure that your exterior wood lasts, it is important to properly stain it. Professional deck stainers will use one to two coats (either semi-transparent, semiopaque or solid) to maintain your deck's beauty. A professionally applied stain will last for anywhere from 1 to 3 Years on your wood, while staining on railings and vertical surfaces can last for up to 5-6 Years. However, If you regularly maintain your wood using the tips mentioned above, there is an increased chance of your stain lasting longer.

Exterior Wood Cleaning & Restoration, Orlando, FL.

Maintaining your deck and fence with routine cleaning and restoration is essential for preserving the wood's quality and safety. Precision Staining's wood staining services can restore the beauty of your deck and fence.
You can see the difference with our exterior wood cleaning and restoration service. We utilize effective industry-leading methods and processes to restore your hardwood or softwood's natural beauty.
Precision Staining offers other services, such as deck and fence sealing, cleaning, pressure washing, and more. Contact us today!

Reference

https://chrisspressurewashing.com/deck-fence-cleaning-restoration/

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