Regardless of the season, a deck is a fantastic addition to just about any yard and can be enjoyed throughout the year. With this article, we’ll share best practices for cleaning and preserving your deck.
Decks take a beating throughout the year from exposure to the elements. Here in San Diego, we see plenty of rain, winds and seemingly constant exposure to the sun.
With each seasonal change, take a thorough look at your deck, keeping an eye out for loose or split boards, loose screws, protruding nails, rotting wood and mildew growth.
This is especially important during the fall. Dirt and sand can easily find their way into the wood, causing splitting and other forms of damage. Leaves that sit a while on your deck will rot and can leave stains.
Potted plants can really make a deck pop, but they need to have some separation between them and the deck surface. If the pots are sitting directly on the deck, they can pave the way for moisture leaking out and becoming trapped in the wood – leading to rot and mold.
Whether you choose to do it monthly, quarterly or with each seasonal change, washing your deck does a great job of preventing mold and moss growth. Using a pressure washer will do a nice job of removing dirt and debris.
Sealing your deck helps to protect it from the elements. To see if your deck needs sealing, take a glass of water and pour it on the deck surface. If the water soaks into the wood, it’s time to seal the deck. If the water beads, you can probably put off sealing.
Call Juniper Landscape Company for Your Landscaping Needs
From installing water features, backflows, landscaping features, lighting fixtures and irrigation, to providing advice on organic urban gardens, hardscaping and concrete, Juniper Landscape Company is a complete landscaping service.
For a free estimate, call us at 619-334-9464