Summer is full of time spent with family and friends doing outdoor activities. Hiking, gardening, going for walks, swimming, attending barbeques, drinking lemonade, and getting out in the sun are all common outdoor activities that people enjoy. Some of these activities are spent away from home, while others can be experienced right on your back patio. If you like hosting or even if you like to spend time on your back deck alone, it is important to keep your deck in good condition. Continue reading for several deck maintenance tips for the summer. 

Pressure Wash Your Deck

One of the worst things that you can do for your deck is going several years of use without washing it. Dirt and debris can easily collect on your deck and without proper maintenance. Over time, this can wear out the surface of your deck. Pressure washing your deck will quickly and effectively remove the layers of dirt and grime that collect on the surface of your deck, as well as any old, peeling paint.

While there are manual pressure washing tools that you can use to clean your deck, professional deck cleaning services are much safer and more effective. Before pressure washing your deck, it is crucial to sweep the deck to remove any loose debris such as sticks and leaves.

Add A Sealant

Another way to prepare your deck for summer is to add a protective layer. Whether it be a sealant, stain, or paint, adding an extra layer of protection to your deck can be quite effective in keeping your deck from water and sun damage. A sealant can also provide your deck with a beautiful finish.

Rotate Your Furniture

A deck maintenance tip that is especially useful and important in the summer time is rotating your deck furniture. If your deck receives a lot of direct sunlight, then the shadows from your deck furniture, or the spots where the furniture is located, could cause discoloration. It is not a great look to have wood planks in your deck that are slightly lighter than the rest of your deck. That is why when you move your furniture around, this problem is solved.

Remove Old Planks And Nails

If you have an old deck, but are wanting to start doing outdoor activities on your deck, then it would likely be a good idea to check your deck for rotten planks or loose nails. Rotten planks not only look unsightly but can also be dangerous for people to walk on. Before starting your summer festivities, make sure that all of the boards in your deck are secure.

Another important thing to evaluate is whether all of the nails that are holding down the boards in your deck are in their proper positions. A nail that has come loose can cause injury to those that are using the deck and can even cause disease if the nail was rusty. The safest way to avoid these issues is to check your deck before have company in the summer.

Would You Like Some More Deck Maintenance Tips?

If you are interested in learning more about deck maintenance or would like to schedule a cleaning for your deck, feel free to reach out to us at Sierra Vista Maintenance. Not only do we provide high quality deck maintenance services that are sure to make your deck look beautiful, but our maintenance technicians are also extremely knowledgeable and experienced, meaning that they will ensure that your deck is properly cleaned and maintained. We also provide a slew of other exterior maintenance services. Feel free to reach out to us today for more information.