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Workable answers to common deck questions
There's nothing like relaxing outside on a warm summer night on your deck. But
while you're sitting there, you may notice some things about your deck that
could use repair. Not to worry. Once you know the basics of deck maintenance,
keeping your deck in top form is simple. Here are few common deck questions and
easy solutions to fix the problems.
My deck is staining around the nails. What can I do?
It's common for wood to darken and streak around the nails because chemicals in
the wood react with the iron in the nails. A deck cleaner can remove those
stains.
The wood on my deck has become so gray and dull. Can I clean it?
Sunlight breaks down wood cells, leaving behind a thin layer of loose fiber.
Dirt then collects, creating the dingy, gray appearance. You can restore the
natural color with a deck cleaner and protect against further graying by
applying a protective finish. like Ace's Sealtech Waterproofing Sealer.
What about the water spots on my deck
Again, a deck cleaner can do wonders to remove spots caused by sprinklers, hot
tubs or swimming pools.
How can I remove mold and mildew stains
The easiest way to get rid of these types of stain is to scrub them with a
mixture of bleach and water. Be sure to rinse the area thoroughly when finished.
Don't use a bleach cleaner on the entire deck, though. This will weaken the wood
fibers and break down the wood's surface. A non-bleach deck cleaner should be
used for other stains.
The color of my deck is uneven. Is there anything I can do?
There are a myriad of reasons wood can weather unevenly, including uneven
application of the original finish, high foot traffic or uneven sun exposure. To
solve the problem, touch up lighter areas with finish, while allowing darker
spots to naturally weather.
You'll find a variety of deck care products at Paul's Ace Hardware, including
stains, protectants and cleaners.
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