|
|
|
How to Weatherproof a Wood Deck
Tips for Restoring a Wood Deck to its Original Beauty
By Mark J. Donovan
|
|
Rain, snow and ultraviolet sunlight
can wreak havoc to a wood deck. If left unchecked eventual deck boards will
begin to fade in color. In addition the wood decking boards will cup, check,
warp, and crack. Mold and mildew growth is also a common problem on frequently
wet deck surfaces. Consequently it is important to regularly weatherproof a wood
deck to keep it looking beautiful and ensure its structural integrity.
To restore and weatherproof a wood deck to its original beauty you first need to
clean the deck surface.
|
|
A pressure washer with a commercial
deck cleaner solution works best, however, great care needs to be taken when
using the pressure washer. Make sure to hold the pressure washer nozzle
approximately 18 inches away from the deck surface and always keep it moving
over the decking surface to ensure that you do not damage the decking boards.
Also make sure to clean the deck railings.
Power washing a deck does not always restore a wood deck to its original color.
Sometimes the wood deck boards can still look a little dark. To lighten up the
deck boards apply a commercial deck wash and brightening solution to the deck
surface using a sprayer or long handle stiff brush. This type of solution
typically includes bleach of some percentage that will help lighten the wood and
give it a more even color tone.
|
If weatherproofing the deck on a
sunny day first hose down the deck with water before applying the wash and
brightening solution. After spraying on the solution use a long handle stiff
brush to scrub the deck and to remove any residual mold and mildew stains. Then
allow the solution to soak into the deck boards for 15 to 20 minutes. Afterwards
rinse off the deck with a water hose.
Once the deck has been cleaned and had time to thoroughly dry, you can then
begin to weatherproof the wood deck in earnest by applying a water sealer.
|
 |
|
|
A deck waterproof sealer is specially
formulated to repel moisture and protect the wood deck boards from ultraviolet
sunlight. Deck waterproof sealers are available in both clear and tinted shades.
Before applying a deck waterproof sealer make sure you check the weather
forecast first. Typically a deck sealer needs 24 to 48 hours of rain free
weather to thoroughly dry.
There are a number of ways you can apply a deck water sealer to weatherproof a
wood deck surface. I use a roller and a 4 inch wide brush as it is the most
economical way to apply it. |
Initially I roll the deck sealer onto
a small section of the deck and then use the brush to work the sealer into the
wood. I find this method works best for weatherproofing the deck as the deck
sealer really gets pushed into the wood grain. Alternatively you can use a long
handle paint pad to initially apply the water sealer. Also, you can buy or rent
a sprayer to initially apply the deck sealer. As with the roller, work in small
sections at a time when applying the sealer with either of these two alternative
tools. Also, you’ll still need to work the deck water sealer into the wood with
a brush after initially applying it.
To apply a deck water sealer to the deck railings a sprayer works the fastest,
however you waste a lot of deck sealer. The most cost effective way to
weatherproof wood deck railings is to apply the deck water sealer with a brush.
Unfortunately it is a slow process. However, the water sealer will hold up best
with this approach and you’ll save money on fewer cans of deck water sealer.
|
Find a Qualified Decking Contractor in Your Area |
|
Get Free Quotes. Easy, Quick and No
Obligations!
For the home improvement or home remodeling project that is
too big for you, check out our partner
NeedContractor. They are a national
resource for finding pre-screened, insured, and licensed home improvement and remodeling contractors in your local area.
|
|
|
Get Matched in 48 hours with Decking
Contractors! |
For help on building a new Deck, see HomeAdditionPlus.com's
Deck Installation Bid Sheet.
The
Deck Installation Bid Sheet
will teach your how to hire the right deck contractor, and help to ensure that your
deck project is completed on time and budget.
How to Finance your Deck Project -
can help provide funds for your new home improvement project if financing is
required.
Additional Deck Information
|
Deck Price Quotes For FREE,
No Obligation!
Fill out our 3-5 minute quick and easy form, and receive a free price quote
on decks from one of our prescreened and licensed deck contractors. This process
is free and there is no obligation to continue once you receive your decks price
estimate.
| |
|
