Homeowners throughout all Northern Virginia, including the areas of Arlington VA, Vienna VA, Chantilly VA, often wonder about the right way to approach deck maintenance. The construction of a new deck on your home is not a small investment, and ensuring it lasts as long as possible is our goal. Our crew of professionally trained deck contractors put together this list of frequently asked questions about deck maintenance, to eliminate some of the guesswork you may face.
Is deck maintenance necessary or is it just \”suggested\” to sell more products?
Most decks in the Northern Virginia area are built of pressure treated pine lumber, and the best possible scenario is a deck that will last approximately 30 years – assuming proper maintenance is completed throughout its life. Even good, high-quality pressure treated pine will discolor and splinter over time and after use, making regular maintenance necessary. If you fail to protect your investment, do not be surprised when it fails you. The more splintering you see on your deck, the more likely you are to face rotting deck boards at some point in the future as the splintering allows moisture to enter the wood which can lead to mold and rot in some cases.
Should my new deck be sealed immediately?
Every wood deck needs to be sealed to protect it from the elements of the different seasons in Northern VA. If you want to make sure your deck continues to look good for years to come and avoid splintering and discoloration, seal the deck as soon as it the wood has had a chance to stabilize within its environment. This typically happens within a few weeks of installation, but always consults with your contractor or product manufacturer before applying sealant.
So, what will happen if I do not maintain my Northern Virginia deck?
As with most things in life, if you do not maintain it will eventually fall to waste. This will not happen overnight, or even in a few months or years, but you will see ill effects of your complacency. The deck boards will get dirty and become rough, eventually leading to splintering – the most widespread problem associated with decks. Without sealant, your deck is prone to additional growth of organic materials such as algae, moss, and mold that you will find on other untreated or unprotected surfaces outside.
For more information on how best to maintain your Halco Fence, contact the professionals at Halco Fence today.