Sealing a Deck with Deck Sealant
Tips on Cleaning a Deck and Sealing a Deck
with Deck Sealant
By: Mark J. Donovan
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A deck is an extension of your home’s living space
and where you will spend much of your time during the summer months.
Consequently, a deck needs to be treated and cared for as much as your
home’s inside rooms. Sealing a Deck with a deck sealant plays a major part in caring for
your deck.
Proper care of your deck begins with regularly cleaning a deck and sealing
a deck. This is particularly true if you want your deck to
maintain the natural color of the wood.
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Cleaning and sealing a deck with a deck sealant is critical in order to preserve the
life and look of the wood. The sealant preserves the beauty of the
natural deck wood by protecting it from both water and sun damage. When to
Seal a Deck with a Deck Sealant
In order to preserve the natural wood look for many
years, I typically seal the deck every year with a deck sealant. Also, I usually
apply it in late summer/early fall as I live in New England. I do this
because of the concern of snow lying on the deck for long periods of
time during the winter months.
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My concern is in the acidity of the water in the
snow. By putting on the deck sealant just prior to snow season, I can provide
peak protection against the prolonged damaging effects of the acid
contained in the water. In hotter climates, where there is less
snow, I would suggest applying the deck sealer in late spring.
Cleaning the deck prior to Deck Sealing
First, remove all of the deck furniture off of the
deck.
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Prior to sealing a deck, it is best to first power wash the
deck and let it thoroughly dry. You may need to use a stiff bristly
brush to get off any material that is not being removed by the power
washer. Pine pitch frequently requires the services of this tool.
There are a variety of products offered by sealant manufacturers that can
also assist in the deck sealant preparation.
After power washing it may take 24-48 hours, or
even longer, for the deck to thoroughly dry, pending weather conditions.
Make sure the deck is completely dry prior to applying the deck sealant.
Otherwise the sealant may not be appropriately absorbed into the wood’s
surface.
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Once the deck is dry, and you are about ready to
begin sealing, use a leaf blower to remove any debris that may have
fallen onto the deck’s surface since you power washed it. If you do not
have a leaf blower, than simply sweep the deck.
Sealing a Deck with Deck Sealant
First, sealing a deck should not be done if the
temperature is below 50 degrees Fahrenheit and if rain is forecasted in
the next 24 hours. Otherwise the deck sealant may not absorb properly, nor
dry properly.
Using a brush apply the deck sealant around all the deck
edges and posts. Once the edging is complete, use a sprayer, brush or
roller to apply the deck sealant to the deck surface. Make sure that the
deck sealant is firmly pressed into the deck wood surface to maximize the
penetration of the deck sealant into the deck wood.
Typically only one coat of deck sealant is recommended by most deck
sealers.
Though most manufacturers suggest the deck is ready
for walking on after the deck sealant 24 hours, I would recommend waiting a little longer
if the weather has not been ideal for drying conditions.
Once the deck is dry, return the deck furniture and
enjoy the beauty of your deck for another year.
For more help on building a 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.
Related Information
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