Deck Care and Maintenance | Maintain Your Deck with …

Because a deck is a particularly good investment returning about 87% of its original cost, according to Remodeling magazines annual Cost vs. Value Report its a good idea to establish a routine of upkeep thatll protect your deck and prevent expensive repairs.

Heres a simple maintenance schedule to help keep your deck safe, sound, and looking great.

Late Spring: Wash the Deck

An unwashed deck is an invitation to mold and mildew, which can cause rot. Heres how to wash your deck:

1. 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.

TIP: For a makeshift extension thats a real knee-saver, try pushing the handle of your putty knife into a length of 1-inch PVC pipe. Some putty knives squeeze right in. Or buy a pole-type groove and crevice cleaner.

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

3. Thoroughly sweep the deck. 4. Choose an appropriate cleanser.

5. Clean the deck. Choose a cloudy day when the decking is cool and the sun wont evaporate the cleaner.

Go here to see the original:
Deck Care and Maintenance | Maintain Your Deck with ...