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Deck Maintenance Tips - All outdoor structures require some annual care |
(NC)—While many homeowners prefer the beauty and elegance of natural wood decking, some may turn to composite materials due to a perception that man-made materials require less maintenance and are more durable. To set the record straight, all outdoor structures require some annual maintenance regardless of the material used.
The good news is that natural wood decks are simple and cost-effective to maintain, and offer time-tested durability. So to help homeowners better enjoy their decks, following are a few easy tips on deck maintenance that further enhance all-natural wood decks.
"Keeping any deck in top condition requires no more than an afternoon or two every couple of years depending on your climate," says Peter Lang, general manager of the Western Red Cedar Lumber Association (WRCLA). "A complete cedar deck revitalization can be relatively quick and easy thanks to a few common cleaning products.
And it's quite possible to clean, stain and finish a 1,000-square-foot all-natural western red cedar deck in one day."
One of the primary maintenance issues to address with any deck is mildew. Mildew forms on decking surfaces of all types and should be removed soon after it appears. There are a number of commercial mildew removal products that can be purchased at any home improvement centre or retail lumberyard. Or, homeowners can kill and remove mildew with a simple solution made from products they may already have at home.
Using a common garden sprayer, combine 3 quarts of water, 1 quart of oxygen bleach and 1/4 cup of ammonia-free liquid dishwasher detergent within the spray canister. Apply the solution liberally to the deck surface and allow it to set for about 10-15 minutes. The bleach will kill the mildew and the dishwasher detergent helps emulsify the mildew to aid in its removal. Liquid dishwasher detergent works better than regular dish or laundry detergent because it will not foam.
More information on the virtues of cedar for your deck or outdoor project is available online at www.wrcla.org. This website is also an informative resource for photo galleries, maintenance guides and to help you redesign and expand your outdoor living space. Information is also available toll-free at 1-866-778-9096.
Credit: www.newscanada.com |
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