A deck is a wonderful addition to any home. It provides extra space for entertaining, relaxing, and enjoying the outdoors. But like any other part of your home, a deck requires regular maintenance to stay in top condition. One of the most important maintenance tasks for a deck is power washing.
Power washing may seem like an unnecessary step, but it actually serves several important purposes. First, it removes dirt, grime, and other debris that can accumulate on your deck over time. This build-up can not only make your deck look dirty and uninviting, but it can also lead to long-term damage.
Second, power washing helps to remove mold and mildew that can grow on your deck. Not only does this improve the appearance of your deck, but it also helps to prevent slipping and falling – which can be especially dangerous if you have young children or elderly family members who use your deck regularly.
Finally, power washing helps to protect your deck against weather damage by removing any loose paint or wood sealant that could be peeled away by high winds or heavy rains.
Now that we’ve gone over the reasons why power washing your deck is important, let’s talk about how to do it correctly.
First, you’ll need to gather a few supplies: a garden hose with a nozzle attachment, a power washer (if you don’t already own one, you can usually rent one from your local hardware store), a bottle of deck cleaner (you can find this at most home improvement stores), and some old rags or towels.
Next, clear off your deck so that all of your furniture and decorations are out of the way. Once your deck is clear, start by spraying it down with water from your garden hose. Then mix together your deck cleaner according to the instructions on the bottle. Once the cleaner is mixed, put it into your power washer and turn on the machine.
Starting from one end of your deck, slowly move the power washer back and forth as you work your way across the surface of the wood. Be sure to overlap each stroke so that you don’t miss any spots. When you’re finished power washing, turn off the machine and let the cleaner sit on the wood for a few minutes before rinsing it away with fresh water from your garden hose.
Finally, use your old rags or towels to dry off the wood so that it doesn’t become warped or damaged by sitting in wet conditions for too long.
Power washing may seem like an extra step in the Deck Maintenance process, but it actually provides several key benefits: it removes dirt and build-up; prevents mold and mildew growth; and protects against weather damage. Plus, power washing is relatively easy to do – as long as you have the right supplies and follow some simple instructions. So next time you’re thinking about skipping the power wash step in favor of a quick sweep with the broom, remember: a little extra effort now will go a long way towards keeping your deck looking its best for years to come!
Reference:
How to Pressure Wash a Wood Deck. (2022, September 22). The Spruce. Retrieved November 11, 2022, from https://www.thespruce.com/power-wash-a-wood-deck-1825149
7 Steps to Power Wash a Deck Without Damaging It, According to the Pros. (2021, June 28). HomeLight Blog. Retrieved November 11, 2022, from https://www.homelight.com/blog/how-to-power-wash-a-deck/
This Is How to Pressure Wash a Deck the Right Way. (2020, November 4). My Window Washing Blog. Retrieved November 11, 2022, from https://www.mywindowwashing.com/blog/2020/11/04/this-is-how-to-pressure-wash-a-deck-the-right-way/