Once the seasons start to change, most of us have our regular cleaning and home maintenance rituals to get done before new weather moves in. Your deck is something that needs to be tended to throughout the year, but come time for colder weather, prepping it is very crucial if you wish to enjoy year after year.
The following tips will help you keep your Minnesota home’s deck in top-shape and last for many years.
Clean Your Deck Thoroughly
Before you can begin prepping your deck for the winter season, you’ll first need to thoroughly clean it. All the spills it endured during the warmer months and regular air-borne dirt and dust can affect it’s appearance and over-time degrade it. The sun can cause a lot of damage to one’s deck, depending on the wood and protective measures put in place. So first and foremost, eliminate the summer evidence with a nice, thorough cleaning of the deck.
When choosing products to clean your deck, avoid any with bleach and opt for one designed specifically for your deck and material type. Certain products actively lift the dirt and remove any stains (whether from mildew, mold, weathered wood, etc.) so a new coating can be applied. Most products are very user-friendly and attach to a standard garden hose for easy application.
However, if you believe your deck is long overdue for a good cleaning, a stripping of old stain or paint may be ideal before you decide to apply a new stain or water-repellant sealer.
Follow Up With Protecting Your Deck
When you finish thoroughly cleaning the deck, you’ll want to apply a sealer to keep it protected from rain, snow and other harmful winter elements. If left unprotected, all the moisture through the months will penetrate your wood, increasing the chance for warping, cracking and splitting. It’s not hard to protect your deck from such damage; simply choose a premium finish to increase your protection.
You won’t be limited when it comes to choosing an ideal sealer and water repellant. Some are clear so you can simply repel the moisture and water without sacrificing the existing color or appearance of your deck.
However, if you want to protect against the absorption of moisture and water consider Rust-Oleum Premium Deck and Fence Stain. You have more than 22 different colors (solid and semi-transparent) and it comes with a 10-year satisfaction guarantee. It will effectively protect your deck from the harsh weather elements and also protects it from the harsh UV rays.
Iron River Construction – Your Minneapolis Deck Professionals
Winter is coming fast and the weather is getting cooler and cooler in Minnesota. We want to make sure your deck is fully prepared for the change that is about to happen. If you have any questions or concerns about your deck, give Iron River a call or schedule a free consultation.
