Decks Maintenance - Refurbishing Timber is Surely a Great Option!

A new timber deck elegantly connects your indoor with your outdoors. It adds a warm corner for a myriad of outdoor activities. But wood decks wither with time from continuous use and continued exposure to weather. Without proper care, the decks become weathered and uninviting after a few years.

Timber decks are usually built from durable woods like cedar, redwood, or pressure-treated pine. Cedar and redwood heartwoods are naturally resistant to termites and decay. Pine gets its insect-resistant decay-blocking power after being pressure-treated with a pesticide.

Continuous exposure to ultraviolet radiations from the sun break down the lignin and surface fibers causing erosion and graying. Long-term exposure to moisture encourages the growth of surface mildew thereby causing stains. The condition worsens in damp or humid climates when the surface is never completely dry. Moreover, natural extractives in cedar and redwood can also discolor the surface.

Since most of the problems related to a timber deck are cosmetic and not structural, refurbishing timber is surely a great option for deck maintenance. You can easily restore your deck regardless of the wood type by cleaning it, diagnosing it and treating any discoloration. You can protect the result for long with a durable finish. Here are some tips for refurbishing timber decking castle hill:

Inspect The Timber Deck For Rot

Deck built from pressure-treated lumber is usually resistant to rot. However, a deck built from untreated redwood, or cedar is more prone to rot. Any wood can rot in case it stays wet for long. Examine your deck to find signs of rot. Check every corner under the decking board, on the underside of the stair treads and at the ledger. You can leave the board in place if the rot is not as deep as ½ inch. More extensive rot requires a board replacement. You can carefully remove the rotten boards with a flat pry bar to replace them with new rot-resistant wood. Remember to remove any debris lying between the deck boards. It not just looks bad but also soaks up water which promotes rotting.

Remove Stains And Address Discoloration

Timber can lose its luster over time when subjected to ultraviolet rays which break down its structure. As a result, the deck may take a dull gray color. You can remove mildew stains and algae by a non-chlorine oxygenated bleach and an oxidized deck sealer. These products are biodegradable, non-toxic, and environmentally friendly. You can easily clean and brighten the deck wood with these products. However, you cannot use them on cedar or redwood due to a darkening effect. It is advisable to use a cleaner based on chlorine bleach or sodium hypochlorite to treat the mildew and algae on cedar or redwood deck. The cleaner removes mildew and mold thereby lightening the wood. But chlorine is toxic and therefore must be used cautiously.

Restore The Wood And Refurbish The Timber

You can apply a commercial deck restoration product for removing aged, gray wood and reviving its original beauty and color. Deck brighteners containing oxalic-acid effectively remove grayed surface fibers and dark tannin stains on cedar and redwood decks. Apply the solution with a rag on the deck board. Scrub the surface with a soft brush. Leave the surface to dry. Rinse with water and leave to dry again before applying a finish.

Once you apply the sealant, you will have a refurbished timber decking Castle Hill that will ensure many more years of enjoyment and lasting beauty.