How To Care For Your Deck & Patio Throughout The Seasons
Decks & Patios can add beauty to any home, especially throughout the seasons. From spring to summer and fall to winter, decks can bring people together to celebrate special events and host gatherings. For your deck to last over the years, you need to take special precautions throughout the different seasons. If you give your outdoor space some TLC throughout the year, it will last a long time. We've collected a few tips you can follow to maintain your deck throughout spring, summer, fall, and winter.
With the right technique and tools, you'll be able to enjoy your outdoor space for years to come. Each season brings new challenges, but we are here to help you expand the longevity of your deck and patio. Here's a guide to seamlessly flow from one season to the next with deck and patio maintenance.
Now that winter is gone, you're looking forward to enjoying the great outdoors! First, it's essential to clean your deck. An uncleaned patio is a breeding ground for mold, mildew, and dirt, which can cause rot. You can begin by cleaning any debris that you see between any of the boards. Remove them and then thoroughly sweep the area. Once you have removed leaves, dirt, mud, and other debris, you can use a solution if you have a wood deck. Make sure to follow the instruction on the bottle for the best results. If you have a composite deck, you need to use a cleaner that is formulated for that material. Vinyl is the easiest to care for as you only need warm water and soap to clean it properly.
Next, you need to seal your deck after properly cleaning it. You can use either:
- Toner that adds color and brings out the beauty of the deck.
- A clear seal that highlight's the natural color of the wood.
- A semi-transparent stain. This option is the best of both worlds of the above two points.
- Solid stain colors that cover the damage and the grain.
As for patios, there are a few options for patios, depending on the situation. For thorough cleaning, you can use a power washer to remove any stains. You can also gently remove stains or debris with a garden hose with a nozzle. If your patio has stubborn stains, you can use a bleach solution to remove them.
Now that summer is in full gear, and the deck is dry, you can take a look for any signs of rot, check the grout, and inspect the ledger for any problems.
1. Inspect Ledger: Use a flashlight to check all the hardware underneath your deck. If anything is rusted, it will need to be replaced.
2. Look for Signs of Rot: Check the stairs of your deck and the posts for rot. An excellent way to know if you have it is if you can use a tool to push a quarter-inch or more into the deck. If so, get it checked by a professional.
3. Check the Grout: Take a look at the grout in between stonework on your patio. If any has come loose or disappeared, it's vital to repair it.
Most importantly, once the hard work is done, remember to enjoy your beautiful outdoor space!
Autumn is the time of year for taking precaution for any issues, especially in the colder months. If you didn't get the chance to clean your deck or patio in the Spring, now is the time to do so while the temperature is mild.
During this time, you can also make sure all shrubbery and trees are trimmed to avoid any mold, moss, or rot. Also, clear the area of any debris. With winter ahead, following these simple maintenance tips will help keep your deck in good shape.
During the winter season, now is the time to make sure you take care of your outdoor furniture and accessories. If you have a garage or shed, you can keep your items sheltered inside. If not, you can cover them up with a tarp or other protective covering. If you live in a warmer climate during the winter months, you can leave everything as is and enjoy!
Your outdoor space is impacted by weather conditions and needs regular inspection and occasional maintenance based on the climate. Taking precautionary steps during the year will help your deck remain strong and healthy for you to enjoy.