The spring is the season for cleaning and starting anew. Many homeowners take time during the spring to get rid of old things and clean parts of their home that might have been avoided or neglected over the last few cleaning sessions. What homeowners frequently forget to clean is their outside living spaces. Your deck has survived the winter, so why not give it some much-needed TLC to prepare it for spring and summer fun?
Tip #1: Clean Your Deck
Spring cleaning isn’t just a chore for the inside of your home anymore. Giving your deck a deep clean will help get it ready for all of the fun and relaxation you’ll be enjoying there once the warm weather is here to stay. Start by removing any large debris away from the deck and then use a broom to sweep off any smaller debris. Choose an appropriate cleaning solution based on the material of your deck. As a general guide, wooden decks can be cleaned with a standard deck cleaner, composite decks can be cleaned with a specially-formulated deck cleaner, and vinyl decks should be cleaned with only mild soap and warm water. Choose a cloudy day to clean the deck using the appropriate tools based on its material and manufacturer’s instructions.
Tip #2: Seal Your Deck
After you’ve cleaned your deck and it has dried, it’s time to protect your hard work. Adding a sealant to your deck will protect it from the elements. As deck experts, we recommend resealing your deck around once per year, and springtime is perfect for this. For the best results, it’s important to do the following:
- Lightly sand your deck before sealing.
- Replace any missing or popped nails and screws.
- Work in smaller sections.
- Apply two thin layers instead of one thick one.
Try your best to schedule your deck cleaning and sealing for a week where the forecast has at least two consecutive days of clear skies and moderate weather in order for the deck to dry and seal properly.
Tip #3: Add to Your Deck
The spring is all about changes and new beginnings. With that being said, if you want more from your deck before the summertime, consider adding some new features. This can include installing permanent lighting, decorative posts, built-in benches, and more. The sky is the limit when it comes to deck features that you can add during the spring to enhance your space and make your outdoor living experiences at home even more enjoyable.
Ready For a New Deck this Spring?
Give life to your home this spring by adding a new deck! North American Deck and Patio is here to help you build the deck of your dreams. As a new deck builder in MD, we’ve worked with hundreds of homeowners on building beautifully-designed decks that fit their lifestyle. Call or contact us today to get started!