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Decked out for summer entertaining

By Joyce Koballa jkoballa@heraldstandard.Com 3 min read
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A popular setting for summer gatherings and outdoor entertainment, decks can last for years to come with a little elbow grease and routine maintenance.

Whether made of wood, vinyl or composite, experts say tending to your deck annually will ensure that small repairs don’t turn into big problems that require added costs.

Josh Lynch, owner of Lynch’s Cleaning in Hopwood, said calls are starting to pick up for deck and house washing.

“Everyone wants their house looking good for summer,” said Lynch.

House Logic states that an unwashed deck is an invitation to mold and mildew, which can cause rot.

Cleaning it annually is essential to help preserve the wood.

According to Lynch, a pressure washer is most commonly used to clean a deck, but if the setting is too high it can splinter or damage the wood.

“There’s more than meets the eye,” said Lynch, of using a pressure washer.

Prior to washing, Lynch recommends to inspect for loose or damaged boards for splintered wood, especially steps. Also, sand any rough spots.

It’s important to tighten any nuts or bolts that may have loosened as well, and replace protruding nails with screws.

As far cleaners go, Lynch said to avoid harsh chemicals like bleach and instead use an outdoor product that is not only safe for the environment, but also kills mold.

After pressure washing, Lynch suggested to let a deck dry for at least two days.

Scrubbing by hand with a hard bristle brush that can be used on decks is another cleaning method that Lynch said his business uses in conjunction with pressure washing.

Compared with basic pressure washers found at retail stores, Lynch said he uses a commercial model that is able to clean a large area fast.

When in doubt, Lynch said it’s best to hire a professional to clean your deck and to make sure they are insured.

Houselogic.com provides the following tips for deck washing:

n Remove debris from between deck boards using a putty knife. Pay special attention to the areas where deck boards cross the joists — the structural members underneath the decking.

n Protect all shrubs and plantings. Wet them and cover them with plastic sheeting.

n Thoroughly sweep the deck.

n Choose an appropriate cleanser.

n Clean on a cloudy day when the decking is cool and the sun won’t evaporate the cleaner.

To clean wood railings, work from the bottom up, apply the cleaner, scrub, and then rinse.

For a composite deck, scrub with a soft brush. Do not use a pressure washer because it can permanently damage the decking and will void any warranty.

Remove rust and leaf stains with a deck brightener containing oxalic acid.

If you have a vinyl deck, scrub in a circular motion using a stiff broom, then rinse thoroughly.

Most importantly, wait at least two days before sealing.

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