Decks endure daily wear and tear, which can become structurally unsafe without maintenance and repair.
Checking for structural damage often starts by gently feeling the wood with a screwdriver to detect signs of decay or softening, such as soft posts or joists that require major repairs.
Deck restoration Adelaide services generally consist of cleaning, sanding and staining services; any additional services cost extra.
Staining
Staining is integral to deck maintenance, protecting wood against the elements while adding aesthetic value. An array of tints and colours is available so you can decide how much natural grain shows through or how opaque your stain should be.
Oil-based penetrating stains will give you optimal results, allowing the wood to absorb more of it so it will last longer without cracking, peeling, or chipping like water-based stains can. While these types of stains might be harder to find at home improvement stores or require visiting a professional paint store to purchase, the extra effort may be worthwhile!
Before applying any stain to your deck, it’s necessary to clean it extensively. Be sure to remove all dirt, mildew or mould that has built up on its surface – this will prevent moisture from soaking into the wood and creating an environment conducive to fungal growth, which could eventually cause dry rot.
If you plan to stain the deck yourself, please refer to your brand of stain for instructions on the application. Cover surrounding walls, plants, trim or trim with painter’s tape before laying drop cloths underneath for any excess stain that might fall between boards. It’s best to stain small sections at a time rather than attempt an entire deck at once; start from the top and work your way down using long, smooth strokes to avoid blotches or streaks in the final result.
Sealing
Deck restoration Adelaide is one of the best ways to extend its lifespan and avoid costly repair or premature replacement costs. Stains add colour and tone, while sealants provide moisture barrier protection from moisture intrusion, bugs, and mildew invasion. Clear sealants allow the natural wood grain to show through, while pigmented ones provide UV-ray shielding against sun rays.
Before sealing, ensure your deck is completely free of debris. Remove furniture, toys and any objects that might hinder cleaning or staining chemicals; cover plants that might be affected; use painter’s tape along the edges where your deck meets the house to avoid getting any stain on them; use painter’s tape at points where deck and house meet to prevent accidental stain transference.
Implement the deck coating according to product instructions. A good rule of thumb is to cover 10 to 15 square feet at once using brushes, paint pads, rollers, and sprayers – and make sure they regularly reload to ensure an even coat without thin spots or air bubbles.
Painting
If your deck requires deck restoration Adelaide, proper preparation is key to its success. A power washer is best at dislodging old finish, dirt, grit, and mildew that could prevent new coats from adhering properly; opening wood grain allows stain or sealer penetration easier. Once dry, sanding should take place to smooth out areas between old paint and bare wood, hand or power sander sanding should also be utilised – but ensure to wear a dust mask as toxic particles could get into your lungs!
Wood decks are horizontal surfaces exposed to UV radiation, contaminants and foot traffic. A general rule suggests resealing or repainting every four to ten months; however, this will depend on weathering and exposure factors.
Repairing
Inspection and restoration are integral elements of a deck restoration. A fresh coat of stain helps shield wood against the moisture damage that leads to mould growth, rot and decay – not to mention cracking under direct sun exposure in Southern California, where harsh UV rays and temperatures can quickly degrade your deck’s condition.
Professional deck inspections should be undertaken annually as an essential preventative maintenance practice. While such assessments can take time and energy, they provide peace of mind while uncovering hidden problems you may not have noticed otherwise.