For many people, installing a wooden decked area is a considered purchase, yet many will neglect the maintenance and upkeep of this garden feature. With a small amount of time and financial outlay every year, however, your decking will repay you with years of service.
How to clean a decked area
At the end of a busy summer, your decking may be looking a bit tired, so cleaning it ahead of the winter months will help to keep it in tip top condition. Using a stiff bristled brush, sweep the decking clear of any debris, paying particular attention to the grooves in and between the decking boards. Decking can be cleaned with a commercially available specialist cleaner or you can make your own solution of 5 tablespoons of ammonia-free laundry detergent, mixed with 1 litre of bleach and 12 litres of water. Apply the solution to the decking with a mop or a pump sprayer and leave for 15 minutes. Then scrub the decking with a long-handled brush and rinse off with a hose. A pressure washer on a low setting can be used but take care not to damage the surface of the timber and don’t get too close to the surface.
Common decking problems
Before starting any maintenance on your decking, always check it over thoroughly to identify any areas for treatment. The following are the most common issues that need to be addressed during routine maintenance.
Discoloured timber decking
Decked areas that are exposed to a lot of sunlight may lose their colour over time, turning to a grey or silver colour.
How to treat discoloured timber decking
Clean the decked area, as above. Once the decking is completely dry, apply a decking stain. Protek Decking Stain, available in a choice of popular colours, is formulated to give a rich colour coating. Resin additives in the formula give a flexible and hardwearing finish that is resistant to cracking and peeling. Decking stain should only be applied to decked areas that have had at least three months to weather post installation.
Rotting decking
Rotten or decaying timber decking occurs where there has been prolonged exposure to high moisture environments or where organic debris, such as wet leaves, has been allowed to gather on the surface.
How to treat rotting timber decking
This is one of those situations where prevention is better than cure. Rotting decking can be prevented by regular maintenance and decking in shady areas can be treated with a wood protector to seal out moisture. Carrying out annual maintenance will help you to spot any early signs of rot, giving you time to sand down any afflicted areas before filling and staining. Where the damage is beyond repair, removing the affected boards and replacing them is the best option. Our decking supplies include everything you need, including decking boards, decking joists, and decking fixings.
Maintaining composite decking
For decked areas made from composite decking, very little maintenance is required beyond regular cleaning. It requires no treatments or stains to protect it from water damage and it is usually supplied with a 25-year limited residential warranty.
If you have any questions about your decking, or about any of the Protek range of wood treatment products, our blog has lots of helpful articles. Alternatively, our friendly sales team will be happy to help and can be contacted by email at sales@withamtimber.co.uk or by phone on 01205 359188.