Your deck is an extension of your home and a place where you will undoubtedly spend a lot of time during the summer season. It is also a part of your home that requires maintenance and care more than any other part of your home.
If you have a natural wood deck then it is important for you to treat your deck frequently by sealing it. If you want to preserve the all-natural look of the timber, this is a must. Deck sealing is vital in order to maintain the life and the appearance of your deck timbers. The sealer helps maintain the charm of the natural wood by shielding it from water and sunlight which both can and will cause damage to a deck if not properly treated.
When to Apply the Deck Sealant
As a way to protect the wood and the appearance of your deck for years, it is recommended that you seal it every year. This is done because snow exists on the deck for lengthy duration at times throughout the winter months. In hotter climates where there is less snow than we get around Central New York, you can apply a sealant around late spring.
Clean the deck before Sealing
The first step in prepping to seal your deck is to clean it. Begin by removing all furnishings off the deck. Power-wash the deck and allow it to dry out completely. There are also a variety of products that can help to clean the deck. After power cleaning, give it 24 to 48 hours or longer to become completely dry. This is important or the wood won’t soak up the sealer when applied.
When the deck timbers are dry, use a leaf blower to go over the deck and remove particles that might have settled on the surface.
Types of Deck Sealant
You need to make sure that the outside temperature is not less than 50 degrees before applying any type of sealant. Also, there should be no anticipated rainfall for at least 24 hours to allow time for the sealant to dry effectively.
Use a brush when sealing around the sides of the deck. You can use a brush, roller, or sprayer to apply the sealer to the deck surface. Make sure the sealer gets into all the timber surfaces.
Usually, just one coat is advised by a lot of deck sealants.
Usually, after 24 hours you will be able to walk on your deck. I would give it a little longer if the climate is humid as that will delay the drying process. When the deck is completely dry, you may place your furnishing back on the deck and then you can sit back and admire your handy work knowing it is protected for another year.
