Your deck can be an excellent spot for outdoor parties, leisure, and nature watching. But with time, decks begin accumulating dirt, grime, mold, and other visually unattractive elements. These elements not only make the deck less attractive to the eyes but also turns into a probable safety hazard in most cases.
Deck Needs Cleaning
Being able to know when your deck needs cleaning is very essential to keeping it looking beautiful and also making it functional. So, in this post, we will look at the top 5 signs your deck needs cleaning.
Let’s get started.
1) Visible Dirt and Debris
One of the most obvious signs that your deck needs to be cleaned is when dirt and debris begin piling up. The dust, leaves, or particulate settles on the deck, leaving it looking weathered and uninviting. Regular sweeping will help, but a deep clean will eliminate the embedded dirt.
Also, when trees and plants are near, your deck might be under regular attack by falling leaves, pollen, and other small twigs. The minute these things hit the deck’s surface, they invite trapped dirt, which may leave unsightly stains, especially once they get wet and break down.
A build-up of plant debris looks unattractive, but it could also lead to mold growth.
Outdoor dining also brings about food and drink spills. These are great at leaving behind sticky residues and stains if the spill is not cleaned immediately.
When deck surfaces become dotted with these spots, they attract pests and create unsanitary conditions. This further shows that regular deck cleaning is necessary.
2) Discoloration and Staining
They wear out your deck. Over time, therefore, your deck will fade with sunlight and all the weather elements. In turn, if it is washed out or uneven, then it needs cleaning and probably even resealing.
Wood, whenever exposed, UV rays can break down the wood fibers and the finish, leading to discoloration.
Mold, mildew, and algae are the most common causes of discoloration on your deck. Microorganisms adore the dampness. These typically manifest as a green, black, or white discoloration on your deck. Other than the discoloration that makes your deck look shabby, mold and mildew cause the surface of the deck to be slimy, which is dangerous as it is.
Moreover, other things like metal furniture or barbeque grills can also cause rust stains on your deck. Also, chemical spills from items like fertilizers or cleaning agents will cause discoloration. Such stains can be hard to remove and may need a specific cleaning solution.
3) Infestation of Mold and Mildew
Mold and mildew do not just make your deck have a terrible look but also will create all sorts of health dangers. If one remains for a long time with mold, the individual starts to develop respiratory complications, allergic reactions, and other health problems.
You should, therefore, ensure that cleaning the deck gets done to eliminate these microorganisms.
Mold and mildew can render your deck slippery. This increased the danger of slipping and falling. More so for the more vulnerable members of the family, the children, and older people.
So that is why you should immediately get your deck cleaned if you see any mold or mildew grown up.
4) Splinters and Rough Spots
Over time, regular use exposes your deck to wear and tear that can make it develop splinters and rough spots. These spots are painful and can be dangerous, especially when you walk on your deck barefoot. Sanding, followed by frequent cleaning, can smoothen such spots and prevent splinters.
The dirt and debris trapped in the wood fibers can make the wood split and crack. And cleaning your deck will help remove those particles as well as let you determine any areas that have to be repaired.
It also allows you to see the state of the finish since you are in a position to have a clean deck. Peeling or cracking can mean it’s time to reapply a protective sealant. Regular cleaning ensures the new finish sticks well and serves you for a long time.
5) Presence of Pests
Termites, ants, and beetles are just a few of the insects that can take up residence in your deck and can cause significant damage over time. Insects tend to be drawn by dirt, moisture, and/or rotting wood.
Keeping your deck clean regularly will help deter insects, as well as give you an excellent chance to see the beginning signs of an infestation.
The droppings birds, squirrels, and other wildlife leave behind on your deck could be unsanitary, even dangerous, and must be cleaned up quickly.
Besides, small creatures can adopt your deck as a nesting site, mainly if they collect leaves, twigs, and other litter around it. Regular cleaning may discourage nest-making, and you can help keep your deck free of unwelcome visitors.
Conclusion
So, you have to clean your deck regularly to maintain its beauty and safety and give it a long life. So, by understanding the signs that your deck needs cleaning, you can undertake routine maintenance of your deck and enjoy an immaculate and pleasurable outdoor space.
