4th
March 2005
BREATHE NEW LIFE INTO YOUR
GARDEN FOR SPRING AND SUMMERSEASONAL DECK CARE
TIPS FROM ARBORDECK
Spring-cleaning a timber deck will only take a
few hours, but the results will be worthwhile.
The following tips to routine care and maintenance
from leading timber specialist Arbordeck™ will
really enhance the long-term appearance and durability
of the deck right throughout the summer months.
1. As the days start
to get longer and the temperature rises – to above 10°c – that’s
the perfect time for deck revival. Set to work
on a dry day, usually any time from mid March.
2. Remove any loose dirt and debris such as dead
leaves with a light sweeping. If the gaps between
the boards have become clogged up gently remove
any debris with a knife. This is important as the
gaps between boards allow for drainage and air
circulation. Removing dirt and moss will help prevent
discolouration of the deck when exposed to the
weather.
3. Carry out a simple structural inspection, checking
to see if any boards have lifted or if any bolts,
screws or connections need tightening.
4. Rinse the deck
with water using a hose (but don’t soak)
after sweeping and a quick structural once-over.
5. While the deck is still wet, clean with a specialist
deck cleaning solution such as Net-trol from Owatrol.
Dilute in line with instructions, brush apply a
generous coat and leave to work for 20 to 30 minutes.
A solution such as Net-trol will remove weathering
and help prevent the future build-up of algae.
It will revive the natural colour and beauty of
the deck so that it looks close to new.
6. Scrub the deck
with a stiff brush and rinse using a hose with
copious amounts of water from
the highest pressure source available, alternatively
use a power washer at 500 – 1000psi – this
will scrub and rinse at the same time. Hold the
power washer so that the tip is 150 – 200mm
above the deck surface and at a slight angle following
the direction of travel.
7. Allow the deck
to dry for two to three days then consider if the
finish application – whether
oil or stain – needs refreshing. In spring
it may only be necessary to touch up areas of heavy
wear and tear, near patio doors for instance, with
your stain. A wide variety of semi-transparent
or solid stain options are readily available, and
the best ones will be guaranteed against peeling
and fading for three years or more. These can be
easily applied to the deck by spray, roller or
brush. Alternatively, a clear or toned drying oil
treatment can be brush applied to leave weathered
wood with a long lasting protective finish that
shows off the natural beauty of the timber. Oil
works deep down inside the wood and is easy to
maintain, as it doesn’t flake or peel. If
the colour has faded, simply apply another coat.
If your decking system holds the Deck Mark™,
a quality assurance award from the Timber Decking
Association (TDA), and has been constructed according
to TDA guidelines or by a registered installer,
then you can be confident that deck maintenance
will be a routine issue.
Deck cleaners, sealants, restorers and stains from
Owatrol are available from Arbordeck’s network
of over 250 stockists nationwide. For more information
telephone: freephone 0800 169 5275.
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