Modular decking provides outdoor living space for homes – these are spaces where we can sit and enjoy the beautiful weather with friends and family. However, if you want to make the most out of these great moments, it is essential to clean your deck and keep it well-maintained.
Exposure to the outdoors and regular general wear means that your deck should be cared for. The following maintenance tips and actions should be done at least once a year.
Cleaning and washing
A thorough cleaning of your deck is crucial to the upkeep of your space. Letting dirt and leaves sit on your deck for long periods can lead to discolouration. It can also cause timber decks to rot. As a starting point, you should sweep your deck to remove dirt and debris from the surface. You can use a soft-bristled brush or broom and a deck wash to scrub the surface of the deck. It is important to choose one that is appropriate for the type of deck you have.
There are some specialised cleaners for timber decks and products that are tailored for cleaning composite decks. Using a deck cleaner is crucial. It will not only help wash away build-up and muck but will also kill mildew and mould.
If you feel your deck still needs a more thorough cleaning then you may use oxygen bleach to clean your decking supplies. Unlike chlorine bleach, oxygen bleach will not remove the colour of your deck from the composite deck or timber and will not damage your garden or plants.
General maintenance and deck repair
Once you have cleaned your deck, it is easy to inspect it and identify problem areas. You should check for split, loose or rotten boards. It is crucial to repair them and fix them back in place. You can replace them with new ones if they are completely damaged. If not, you can cause further deterioration of the whole deck.
As wood ages, it starts swelling and shrinking and this causes screws and nails to rise above the surface. If this is the case then you should grab a nail punch and a hammer and work them back into their original space. If possible, you should replace rust nails or screws as these can cause discolouration of the deck and make the timber loosen.
Sanding and sealing
Before sealing your deck, clean it and let it dry then sand it to remove any splinters and irregularities. This allows the sealant of the deck to sink into the boards and be absorbed by the wood, protecting it. When the surface is not sanded back, the oil won’t absorb evenly and this will lead to uneven colouring and marks.
It is important for your modular decking to be sealed to stop it from splitting, cracking, and warping. You should coat your deck with a sealer to waterproof it. The right deck sealer, decking oil or deck stain for your deck depends on the type of decking product or material you have.
