Let’s face it; cleaning a deck is a real chore.  As springtime weather approaches, it is time to start thinking about your outdoor living spaces.  Many people damage their deck when trying to clean them.  Most of the time, damage comes from unevenly spreading chemical cleaners or from using overpowered pressure washers.  This week, we will discuss the best method for cleaning your deck; whether it’s wood or composite.

Before you begin applying cleaner to your deck, make sure you know what type of decking material you have and that you are informed on what types of cleaner you can and cannot use on it.

Two types of bleach
Everyone knows that bleach can effectively clean bacteria, fungus, stains, and more.  However, it is important to know what kind of bleach you are using.

Chlorine bleach (sodium hypochlorite) works wonders on germs but will discolor your deck and break up the glue that holds the wood together.  Chlorine bleach can also kill your landscaping and corrode the metal brackets on that hold your deck together.

Oxygen bleach is a much safer alternative to chlorine bleach.  Oxygen bleach will not cause your decking to fade or damage your landscaping.  The product comes as a dry powder. Simply mix it with water, spray it on your deck, let it stand for 10 minutes, and scrub the area with a brush.  Rinse off the dirty solution with a hose after scrubbing, and you’re done.
For more information on oxygen bleach, click here.

Why not use a power washer?
Power washers erode wood fibers, especially lighter colored wood. Often times, a five year old deck that has been power washed will end up looking like a 25 year old fishing pier.

If you would like to have you deck professionally cleaned, our handy man can do it for you.  Just give us a call and we can schedule a time to come out and clean it for you.  (865) 458-0416

Time to rebuild?

You may be thinking that your deck is beyond the point of no return.  Here are a few questions that you can ask yourself about your deck.

Is the structure of the deck solid?
Your deck should not wobble or shake when walking on it.  A good deck feels very solid under foot, even with 6 or more people on it.

Does your deck meet your needs?
Decks come in all shapes and sizes.  Is your deck still meeting your needs?  Maybe it’s time for something bigger or handicap accessible?

Can the decking material be replaced without rebuilding the structure?
Sometimes, you may find that your deck structure is strong but your decking boards are worn.  If this is the case, you can remove the decking boards, fix any minor structural issues, and install new wood or composite decking.  This is a much cheaper alternative to completely rebuilding your deck.

Master Custom Home Remodeling has recently joined forces with a custom deck builder who has over 10 years of experience building decks in the Knoxville area.  If you would like to have our outdoor living specialist visit your home to give you a proposal for a new deck, sunroom, or patio, call (423) 371-3035 and check out our “Outdoor living Spaces” area of our website.