One of the best additions to one’s home is an outdoor living space. Decks make an excellent space for friends and family to socialize, rest and enjoy some down time. However you choose to use your deck or patio, give it annual maintenance is a must. Standard upkeep involves washing the deck regularly, as well as having your deck waterproofed. Even if your patio has already been waterproofed, it is critical to have it sealed again for optimum upkeep.
As the season’s pass and the weather changes, exposure to the elements can quickly wear out the deck’s wood, leading to splitting, twisting, and rotting. Homeowners and professional painters apply stains or seal the deck to prevent such problems. Unfortunately, these protective coatings wear out in time, so it is essential to ask, “How often should I seal my deck?” The answer depends on the kind of material you used to seal it with.
In this article, we will discuss how you can efficiently keep your decks at their best.
How Often Should Your Deck Be Resealed?
The common rule is to have your deck waterproofed once a year, most especially if you live in locations that experience poor weather conditions. Suppose you reside in an area where you receive a lot of direct sunlight all year. If this is the case, your patio will be subjected to damaging UV rays, which may cause the color of your deck to fade and this we suggest you have your deck resealed more than once a year.
A good test to do to help determine whether or not it’s time to get your deck waterproofed is to pour a few droplets of water onto your deck. If the water droplets bead up, then your deck is perfectly fine. However, if the water soaks into the wood, then your deck is no longer assured against harmful elements, and it may be time to have it sealed again.
What Type Of Deck Seal Should You Use?
There are different choices to pick from when it comes to patio sealing. You can select a clear sealer, a semi-transparent seal/stain, or a solid seal/stain.
Clear sealers provide a protective barrier while maintaining the natural texture and grain. These sealers may not be as practical at stopping UV rays, and this is where other options come in.
Semi-transparent or tinted stains deliver the same advantages as clear sealants but with UV protection. Solid stains are laboriously pigmented and available in various colors to cover the natural wood grain of your overall deck.
How can I tell whether my patio requires restoration or if it has to be replaced?
The easiest method to find out what your patio needs right now is to call and schedule a consultation with our team. We believe that washing the deck is essential to revive the attractiveness of the wood. Refinishing can prolong the life of a deck for many years more if you give it the maintenance it deserves.
At Newton Deck Builders, we’ll never tell you that you need patio restoration when a basic cleaning is all that’s required. We will let you know if your deck still has life in it and what needs to be done to restore it.
Relevant Post: Repairing vs. Replacing Your Deck
Is it always required to thoroughly sand down a wooden deck and apply a fresh stain?
No, finished substantial deck restoration isn’t always required. All a deck needs are to be perfectly cleaned and resealed. Fresh stain or paint can always be applied whenever you want to transform the look. Your best chance is to let our experts assess the condition of your wooden deck and we can give you our best advice.
Deck Sealing in Newton, MA
Hopefully, you have a better understanding of how important it is to seal your patio or deck. If there’s any problem with the longevity of your deck, you’ll want to put as much time and energy into this as required. As shown above, the procedure isn’t too complex, and anyone can knock this out over a week, considering the weather cooperates. Good luck, and happy sealing!
If it’s time to have your patio sealed in the Newton, MA area, we at Newton Deck Builders can assist you. Our variety of deck maintenance, repair, and building services are sure to meet your needs and exceed your expectations. Call us at 617-744-4884 to learn more about our services today.
