5 Tips for Resealing Your Deck this Spring

Spring is here, the weather is getting warmer and you want to be outside enjoying the sunshine! What better place to do that than on your deck? It provides a dry, comfortable place to entertain guests and enjoy the outdoors. Unfortunately, the winter weather has probably taken its toll on your deck at the Lake of the Ozarks. Follow these tips from SFGate.com for resealing your deck and it will be in tip-top shape for grilling season!

1. Sweep and Clear the Crevices

Before resealing your deck, you want to make sure to remove any dirt and debris that would get in the way.  Leaves, twigs, flower petals, pollen and more have probably taken over your deck throughout the past couple of months, so be sure to remove all of that.  Pay particular attention to the spaces between the boards because debris can slip down in there and get stuck. Leaves that are stuck there can rot which eventually lead to rotting boards.  One easy way to reach those crevices is with a putty knife.

2. Scrub and Strip the Wood

You must remove any leftover sealant from the last time your deck was coated.  The wood also needs to be thoroughly cleaned before applying a new coat.  Mechanical processes for removing old sealant and dirt such as sanding or the use of steel wool will gouge the wood and leave metal deposits that cause rust streaks.  Use chemical strippers and cleaners to remove the residue instead.  You can use a pressure sprayer to help remove tough dirt or leaf stains, but be sure to keep the water moving and simultaneously use a cleaner to prevent damage to the wood.  

3. Apply Sealant Early

When you see cracks or lightening on the surface of your deck, damage has already been done. Resealing will prevent future damage, but if possible you want to reseal your deck before you see these signs of wear and tear.  One way to test your deck to see if it needs resealed is to splash water on it.  If the water beads up, your deck is still properly sealed, but if it soaks into the wood, its time to re-apply the sealant.

4. Mind the Weather Conditions

Make sure that your deck is thoroughly dry before proceeding to apply a sealant.  You also want to make sure that is isn't too cold for the sealant to dry properly once its applied.  Any months where the temperature remains above 50 degrees work well for resealing your deck.  Cold weather slows down the drying process allowing dirt and debris to stick into the sealant.  Rain or snow will also ruin the sealing process and will require you to start over.  

5. Choose the Right Product

Most deck sealing products are oil-based because wood absorbs oil easily, but these oils encourage mold and mildew growth.  These sealants also don't protect the wood from UV (ultraviolet) damage that turns most woods gray after a few years. Although clear epoxy deck sealers are more expensive and require more prep beforehand, the benefits outweigh these issues for homeowners who want to maintain their natural deck color.

Due to the harsh weather exposure, decks should be cleaned and sealed every year.  You should also check regularly for signs of rot and to ensure structural integrity.  With proper maintenance, your wood deck will last you for years.  If you don't have a deck, then what are you waiting for?  Call All-Star Home Renovations today to have one custom built just for you!

Follow our blog for advice on remodels at the Lake of the Ozarks, minor home repairs and improvements, tips to improve the value of your home, and so much more.

All-Star Home Renovations serves the entire Lake of the Ozarks area. We can handle everything from your most complex home improvement and remodeling projects to the simplest.

All-Star Renovations has 25 years experience and is fully insured!

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Serving the Entire Lake of the Ozarks Area

Adam : 573-286-2569
adam@all-star-renovations.com

Jay: 573-480-4757
jay@all-star-renovations.com

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