Human beings have learned, all too often the hard way, that too much exposure to the sun’s rays can cause great harm. As such, we try to limit our time spent in direct sunlight. But your deck can’t do that. It’s required to stand and endure the harsh UV rays of the sun day in and day out, across all four seasons. And in the same way that exposure to the sun’s rays can take a toll on you, it can also take a toll on your deck. Sun damage causes fading, cracking and dry, brittle boards that compromise both the appearance and safety of your deck. Addressing these issues sooner rather than later not only preserves your deck’s beauty but also protects your investment. Following are five essential deck maintenance steps to restore your sun-damaged deck as well as prevent future problems.
1. Inspect the Extent of the Damage
Start with a visual inspection of your deck. Look specifically for things like:
- Fading
A dull, grayish color is a clear sign of UV damage.
- Dry, brittle wood
This indicates the wood is losing its protective oils.
- Cracking or splintering
Another effect of the drying rays of the sun, this can pose a safety hazard.
- Warped or weakened boards
These may need to be replaced entirely to ensure structural integrity.
- Loose fasteners
If the boards warp enough the fasteners holding your deck together may come loose or disengage entirely.
Note: If you find significant warping and/or damaged fasteners in your deck maintenance inspection, repairs may be necessary before moving forward with the next steps.
2. Clean the Deck Thoroughly
Before attempting any restoration of your deck, you’ll need a clean surface. Use a well-regarded wood deck cleaner to remove any dirt, debris or mildew—all of which can further damage the wood and/or interfere with any protective stain or sealant (more on that below). For tough buildup, consider using a power washer, but be careful to:
- Use the correct pressure setting (usually 500–1200 PSI for wood).
- Keep the nozzle moving to avoid gouging the surface.
3. Sand and Repair Damaged Areas
Once you’ve used the above-referenced wood deck cleaner to clean the deck, and you’ve made sure the deck is fully dry, lightly sand any faded or rough spots to restore smoothness and prepare the wood for staining. Again, if you find boards that are too warped, cracked or rotted to fix, replace them before continuing any further. Taking the time to repair problem areas now will prevent bigger problems later. (This last item is really Wood Deck Maintenance 101, but you’d be surprised how many people don’t do it).
4. Apply Protective Stain or Sealant
There are two remaining steps in your current deck maintenance endeavor. After sanding and cleaning your deck, it’s time to not only restore its natural beauty but also shield it from future UV damage. By choosing a UV-resistant stain or sealant for your deck, you’ll protect it not just against the sun’s rays but from moisture, as well. Be sure to:
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application.
- Apply the stain or sealant evenly and allow proper drying time.
This critical step not only revitalizes your deck’s color; it also adds a protective barrier against future damage.
5. Tips to Protect Your Deck From Future Sun Damage
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, an aphorism that certainly applies here. You can keep your deck looking its best by following these simple, preventative tips:
- Clean and reseal your wood deck every one to two years.
- Always use UV-blocking stains or sealers, as these offer added protection.
- Add shade-solutions—like pergolas, umbrellas, or sun sails—which reduce your deck’s direct exposure to the sun’s rays.
- Finally, be sure to rotate your outdoor furniture; this prevents uneven fading.
Why Learn Things the Hard Way?
Sun damage can age your deck quickly, but with the right care you can restore its beauty and keep it going strong for years. Of course, wood deck maintenance doesn’t stop after one restoration; it takes the kind of regular maintenance outlined above, along with preventive measures like UV-resistant products and shade-solutions, to make a long-term difference in the lifespan of your deck. Unsure where to start? Need expert advice on deck maintenance? At Ladiesburg Lumber, whether it’s decking-expertise or decking materials, we can point you in the right direction. Stop by our store or visit us online today.
