Tips For Cleaning Wood Decks
There are many types of decks but cleaning wood decks is a bit different than composite decks or vinyl decks. Let me explain some of the differences.
Synthetic decks obviously are susceptible to water damage like a wood deck. So you can clean them a bit quicker and with less worry.
Cleaning wood decks on the other hand involves a thorough inspection. Here's what to do to make sure you clean your wood deck properly and catch any problems early.
Sweep
Use a stiff brush and sweep off the entire deck surface, around posts, stairs and remove all debris.
Wash
Use an exterior wood wash solution and mop off all the wood surfaces making sure sap, and other contaminants are removed from the surface.
Inspect
This is the most important difference about cleaning wood decks over composite decks because there are many places where rot and moisture can set in to start the decay process.
Check post connections under the deck against the joists. Clear debris between the ledger board and house connection. Clean around railing balusters, top and bottom rail and rail to post connections.
Elevate the stair stringers from the wet landing. Ideally keep them 1/2" above the surface so they say dry.
Look for fascia board starting to warp of separate at corners and repair accordingly.
Look also for water pooling on certain deck boards. Warped boards can catch water and prevent drainage. This is the start of rot. Use a belt sander and carefully sand the board flat.
Fill all nail or screw holes on deck boards with an exterior wood filler or even an auto body filler (if you cover it with a solid stain). Don't let water pool in these little holes.
I think you get the idea. Basically, cleaning wood decks requires a much more thorough approach if want your deck to last. But it can be done.