How to Identify It's Time to Clean Your Deck
Whether you're using your deck to entertain or just enjoy the views, it's important that you keep it clean. However, if you've been skipping out on regular maintenance and it's time to do some deep cleaning, don't worry! We'll go over how to identify when it's time for a cleaning and how to do it right so that your deck looks beautiful and lasts longer than ever.
Your deck is slippery
If your deck is slippery, it’s a safety hazard. When your deck becomes too slippery to walk on safely, you need to clean it and make sure it stays clean.
Using a pressure washer will help remove grime and rust from the surface of the wood, but can also cause damage if used incorrectly. Be sure you have experience with this tool so as not to damage your decking material in any way. Pressure washing should be done only when necessary; overuse may cause more harm than good!
Not sure if you know how to handle a pressure washer properly? Consider hiring a professional. At American Exteriors, we consider ourselves the experts in cleaning and revitalizing decks.
Your deck has black stains.
Black stains are a sign of mold. Mold is dangerous and can cause health problems, so it's important to clean your deck regularly. A professional will be able to identify the source of the problem, remove it and make recommendations for preventing future growth.
Your Deck is Discolored.
If you notice your deck is not the same color that it was when you first installed it then it's probably time for a cleaning. Organic matter builds up over time, leaving behind an unpleasant appearance to your exterior. What is organic matter? Organic matter are things like leaves, debris and dead bugs that accumulate on your deck or patio. How does it build up? When water pools in the soil beneath your plantings or shrubs, decomposition occurs, which results in soil deposits that can discolor surfaces such as wood decks. The same thing happens if you have a buried tree stump with roots growing over time; these roots break through the ground surface causing erosion and discoloration. Other sources include pet urine stains and bird droppings! How do I clean it? A power washer will be most effective at removing dirt and grime from the surface of a wooden decking material.
You smell mold.
If you smell mold, then it's time to clean your deck. Mold can cause health problems and is dangerous for your pets, kids, family members and neighbors.
As you can see, it’s important to know when your deck needs to be professionally cleaned. If any of the above scenarios sounds familiar, or if you notice an unpleasant smell coming from your deck, don’t hesitate—call in professionals! They will be able to tell if your deck is just dirty or if it has deeper issues that need attention. It's always better safe than sorry when it comes to protecting yourself from mold and mildew infections!