How to take care of wooden deck boards during autumn months so that winter weather does not take its toll on them? What wood protection and maintenance works should be undertaken so that a wooden deck survives the harshest temperatures without damage? Are you wondering whether the methods of maintenance of the wooden decks depend on the type of wood? Read on and find out…
Wooden boards must be properly secured for the winter, so that renovation or deck repair won’t be necessary in the spring. Protected wood will be resistant to moisture and low temperatures – factors that can significantly damage natural materials during the coldest months of the year. Changes in temperature and humidity as well as solar radiation, fungi, mold and insects all have a negative effect on wooden decks and porches. After some time, wood turns gray, warps and becomes less resistant to damage. Several treatments are required to restore its former glow. To begin with, the wooden deck must be cleaned, then repaired and finally protected.
If maintenance is neglected, wood will deteriorate so much after 2-3 years under the influence of unfavorable weather conditions that the renovation of the wooden deck will require much more time and money. When the first snow falls, it will be too late to prepare your deck or porch for the winter season. November is the last fall month to start cleaning and preparing your deck for winter.
Remove Dirt, Leaves And Debris
The most important thing when caring for a wooden deck is… keeping it clean. After putting away your outdoor furniture and hiding the flower pots and plants that are sensitive to cold, you have to take care of the deck surface itself. It requires almost the same – and maybe more – attention before winter, as when you bring it to use after the winter season. Start by sweeping the floor and removing dirt or leaves. Cleaning with water with some regular soap may not be enough, which is why it’s worth investing in a product especially designed for the care of outdoor wooden surfaces. Several times a year, e.g. in early spring and fall, it is worth washing the deck boards thoroughly with a pressure washer. This will quickly help you get rid of mud and dirty sediment and restore the original color of the wood to the deck. Here at Branico Construction, Inc. Porches and Decks we have the professional equipment that will help us get to even the most remote parts of your deck to ensure that it is in good condition and ready for winter.
Protecting Wooden Deck Boards
Oiling is one of the most proven ways to protect outdoor wood. It is a practical and easy method of securing wood, which will properly protect it against adverse weather conditions, such as freezing temperatures and high humidity.
The function of the oil is to impregnate the wooden surface by filling the pores in it so that the water doesn’t penetrate into the gaps. This will protect the deck boards against cracking – freezing water increases its volume and can cause cracking f the wood. The effects of this phenomenon will be visible in the summer. Oiling will also protect the wood against color loss.
It’s worth remembering that each type of wood changes (or not) its color in a separate way, which is a natural reaction to moisture or extreme temperature changes. Fortunately there are ways to give your deck some color.
Unfortunately, no product will give us 100% protection against UV radiation and we will not avoid the natural graying of the wood. However, there is one way to significantly reduce the visibility of the gray patina formed on the surface. Deck staining will help you preserve your wood’s grain, texture, and color. The use of opaque varnish or stain with a shade other than natural (colorless) guarantees that the natural gray coating won’t be as visible for a very long time. Moreover, deck staining will significantly prevent the wood from absorbing moisture, and at the same time give you peace of mind that your surface won’t be damaged after winter.
Protecting the wooden surface for winter with oiling or deck staining will bring the best results on a rainless and windless day. Why should we avoid wind when it could accelerate the drying of the product? The answer is simple – wind carries dust and dirt, which pollutes the protected surface. The humidity level, which should not exceed 80%, is also of great importance.
During oiling or staining, wooden boards should not be exposed to sunlight. It is good to plan the work when the weather is right for 2-3 days before and after. You can then be sure that the structure is dry and that the oil or varnish will properly penetrate the boards and thoroughly dry.
Renovating An Old Deck
If you have not maintained your deck regularly for several years, the surface may become dull, warped and covered with fungus. In order to quickly and effectively bring the neglected deck back to life, you must undertake chemical cleaning. Apply a cleaning product on moistened deck boards with a hard brush with short bristles. The chemical will easily remove dirt, grease, algae and mold accumulated over the years, as well as restore the natural color of the wood. After about 20 minutes, rinse the preparation with plenty of water. After chemical cleaning, leave the deck to dry for about 24 hours. If the boards cannot be cleaned chemically, the only thing left to do is sanding them in spring with a sander and carrying out a classic impregnation with oil or deck staining.
If you don’t want to do it yourself – call Branico today. We’ll be happy to do it for you.
What Else Is Important?
In order for your deck to look good and serve you as long as possible, it is not enough just to protect it before winter. Regular care of the entire surface is vital. The methods of treatments depend, of course, on the type of wood used. You can learn more about the different types of wood by checking out our blog.
Thanks to the above-mentioned procedures and adequate protection of the deck before winter, it will repay with a beautiful appearance and will serve you and your family for many years to come.
Remember that it is easier and, above all, cheaper to clean and impregnate the wooden boards from time to time than to replace the entire surface.
Contact the professional Chicago deck builders at Branico.
We will gladly talk to you about what you can do and especially what we can do for your Chicago deck or porch. Give us a call at (708) 268-5405!