How to Properly Care for the Deck of Your Lake Zoar Waterfront Home
Before showing your home to
buyers looking for Lake Zoar real estate, you have to make sure that your
property is in its best condition. One area of your home you should pay
attention to is the deck. If this outdoor living space is already showing some
wear and tear, make the necessary steps to make it presentable and well cared
for. Here are some tips to help you get the most mileage of your deck.
1. Pressure Wash
If the deck of your home is
large, you need to pressure clean it twice a year. This is usually done at the
beginning of spring and in the early fall. You do not need to buy your own
power washer because there are many rentals available. Pressure washing your
deck will help make it look more appealing to buyers of Lake Zoar waterfront homes.
2. Check for loose or
corroded fasteners
From time to time, look for
loose or corroded fasteners. This is especially important because nails and
screws can come loose or break as a deck settles. It would be disastrous if
during a viewing, a buyer of Lake Zoar homes for sale trips and falls over a
loose board. You should also give close inspection to railings, banisters, and
stairs to avoid any untoward event. Push on your railings and banisters and
make sure there are no movements.
3. Seal the deck
Sealing your deck will help
protect it from wear and tear. To get the best results, use a quality deck
sealer. Make sure to allow your deck to dry from cleaning before applying
sealants. You can use a foam roller or a pad on a long handle. Use
water-blocking sealant to extend the life of the wood. If you want additional
protection, you may also stain your deck. The stain provides an extra block
from ultraviolet light, which causes graying.
4. Replace damaged decking
plant
If the deck of your home is
uncovered, it is subject to damage from fallen tree limbs. These limbs can
crack, chip, or completely puncture decking boards making them look
unattractive and extremely unsafe. To deal with a damaged decking plant, remove
it and cut a new plank to size. Then, install it using decking screws or nails.
Wait for at least a month for the replacement to acclimate and dry out before
adding stain and sealant.
5. Choose an appropriate
cleanser
Your deck will last longer
if you use the appropriate cleanser. For wood deck, use a standard deck
cleaner. Make sure to follow the instructions to. Some may require the decking
to be wet first. For composite deck, use a cleaner specifically formulated for
composite material. A commercial degreaser and detergent may be used to remove
oil stains and grease. For vinyl deck, you will only need to use warm water and
a mild soap to remove mold, mildew, and dirt.
It is a good idea to protect
and care for your deck to prevent damage and expensive repairs. These simple
maintenance tips will help keep your deck safe and looking great. Visit
http://www.CandlewoodLakeCTRealEstate.com today for more home maintenance and selling tips and ideas.
