If you are lucky enough to have a deck in your garden, it’s important to keep it clean and well-maintained so that it lasts for many years to come. A dirty deck not only looks unsightly, but it can also be a major safety hazard. But how do you know when it’s time to clean your deck? Should you wait until it’s so dirty that you can no longer see the wood surface or should you clean it every day? To find out how to determine when it’s time to clean your deck, we invite you to read our short guide to deck cleaning and maintenance. Our Long Island pressure washing technicians, all of who clean decks in Dix Hills and the surrounding area on a daily basis, have collected together their top cleaning tips below, for your convenience.
Is It Time to Clean Your Deck?
It’s not too difficult to determine when your deck needs some love and attention, once you know what to look out for. If you see any of the following signs, simply arrange to have it cleaned as soon as possible. You can, of course, clean it yourself if you have the right equipment at home but many homeowners prefer to leave it to a team of professionals. If you decide to rent a power washer and do it yourself, make sure the machine you rent is capable of providing enough pressure to get your deck really clean. Some of the less expensive domestic pressure washers on the market today are simply not capable of getting a deck surface really clean.
Stains and Discoloration– If you notice any stains or discoloration on the surface of your deck, it’s definitely time to give it a thorough cleaning. Stains can be caused by spillages as well as by mildew or algae growth. General discoloration is normally a sign of sun damage or water damage. Whilst cleaning your deck will not restore the color if it has faded in the sun, it is something you will need to do before applying a new deck stain. Once the new stain is applied, your deck should look as good as new again.
Slippery Surfaces– If your deck has become slippery or slick, you need to clean it without delay. A buildup of dirt, debris, and algae can make your deck very dangerous to walk on, especially when it’s wet. If you notice your deck has become slippery and dangerous to walk on, we strongly urge you to clean it as soon as possible. If you don’t have the right gear to tackle this task by yourself, you should be able to find a local company that can do it for you. Please don’t forget, if you are looking for professional pressure washing services in Dix Hills, we can take care of you.
Splintering Wood– If you notice any splintering or rough spots on your deck, we recommend that you clean it first, then treat it to a new protective, weatherproof coating. Splintering wood on deck surfaces can be caused by exposure to the elements over time, or by insect infestations in some cases. A good cleaning will remove any dirt or debris on your deck, after which you can apply a new finish to prevent any further damage. When you have your deck pressure washed, you may notice more lifting of wood fibers on the surface but there is no need to worry as these fibers will lay flat again once the deck has dried out completely.
Fading Color– If the color of your deck has faded significantly since it was installed, the best solution is to clean and re-stain it. Fading is most often caused by ultraviolet rays from the sun but can also occur as a result of water damage or just general wear and tear over the years. If your deck is looking a bit sorry for itself due to fading, you can remedy the problem by cleaning it with a pressure washer, allowing it to dry completely, and applying a fresh coat of quality wood stain to restore the original color. If you fancy a change, you can sand your deck and apply a different color of wood stain. You don’t have to stick with the original stain color unless you want to.
Mildew or Mold Growth– If you notice any mildew or mold growing on your deck, you should clean it off at the first opportunity. Both mildew and mold can cause a variety of health problems and they can also damage the wood if left untreated. A good pressure washing will get rid of any growth that you find and should also prevent it from coming back in the near future. If you want to make doubly sure, you can use a bleach solution to kill any spores that might have managed to cling on.
If you notice any of these signs, you should either arrange for a local company to give your deck a thorough cleaning or do it yourself (assuming that you have your own pressure washer at home, you know exactly what you are doing and you enjoy this kind of work). With a little preventative maintenance every now and then, you can stop these issues from becoming a big problem in the future.
Finally, if you are interested in finding out more about our pressure washing services in Dix Hills, you are welcome to call and chat with us any time during normal working hours. If this is not convenient, simply send us an email to let us know when would be a good time for us to call and talk to you about your deck cleaning needs. We offer a full range of outdoor cleaning services in this part of the country, including soft washing, pressure washing, and window cleaning. From driveways, patios, and decks, to tennis courts, vinyl fences, and guttering, we can take care of the outside of your property for you.
