With summer almost upon us, many Australian homeowners have already started doing their routine outdoor maintenance. This often involves everything from cleaning drains to clearing out clogged gutters. It should also involve checking your outdoor fixtures, such as your patio decking, for signs of damage or regular wear and tear.
The good news is that you don’t have to deal with the hassle of maintaining your outdoor deck by yourself. Having your deck cared for is as simple as enlisting the services of the painter Hawthorn residents rely on for everything from interior painting to deck maintenance and everything in between.
There Will Always be Signs
As with everything else in your home and backyard, your outdoor decking will need special care and routine maintenance. How often this needs to be done depends on factors such as the initial quality of timber used, the age of the deck, the climate in your area, and the way you have been maintaining it.
There’s a very high likelihood that your deck won’t become shoddy from one day to the next. That means there will be subtle signs that your deck needs repairs and care. Doing this when you first spot the signs is the best way to reduce costs and keep your deck looking amazing and remaining functional. Here’s a quick breakdown of the signs that you should keep an eye out for.
- Visible Signs of Wear and Tear
The surface of your deck will also give you all the information you need about its overall health. This means that the most clear sign that maintenance is needed is visible signs of wear and tear, which can show up in the form of cracks, fading, and even splintering. Ignoring these can lead to accidents and high repair costs down the line.
- Fading and Discolouration
When decks are first installed, the final product application leaves them looking shiny and strong. However, over time, a deck that’s exposed to the sun and other elements will begin losing its shine and bright colour.
When this happens, your deck becomes susceptible to decay as well as bacteria and mould creation. If your deck is fading, your trusted painting service will clean, sand, seal, and add a new layer of sealant. This will restore your deck to its former shiny glory.
- Signs of Water Damage
No matter how well your deck was built or how well you’ve been maintaining it, exposure to excessive amounts of water will almost always damage it. The most common signs of water damage to look out for include the following:
- Splintering boards
- Pooled water
- Mould growth
- Poor drainage
Decks with signs of water damage must be cleaned and sealed as soon as possible to avoid further long-term damage.
- Wood Rot and Pest Infestation
Decks that have been exposed to water can experience wood rot. This can lead to pests such as termites moving in. This will present as mushy areas in the timber, and signs of moisture build-up and mildew may also be evident. It’s essential to deal with these issues immediately. In more severe cases, the damaged sections will need to be removed and replaced.
- Unstable Railings and Loose Boards
Another clear indicator that your outdoor deck needs professional maintenance is wobbly railings and loose boards. Over time, this can be caused by a combination of severe weather conditions and heavy foot traffic.
Not maintaining your deck routinely can aggravate this issue. Experts advise that you not wait for this problem to become worse, as broken planks or support structures can easily result in injury to anyone using the deck. Long-term damage to the decking will also be costly to repair.
Common Decking Maintenance Services on Offer From Your Local Painter
Your local painting service will easily be able to perform the annual maintenance your deck needs to stay durable. Here’s a breakdown of the care they can provide to your patio or pool decks:
- Timber decking care: Outdoor decks are routinely exposed to the harsh Australian elements. Proper maintenance is therefore essential to preserve overall deck integrity. Your painting team will clean, specially treat, and re-coat the decking to enhance its appearance and longevity.
- Timber restoration:In instances where the timber features have warped, faded, or show signs of regular wear and tear, the team will sand and stain the timber to restore the timber to its initial prime condition.
- Staining and varnishing: Professional painting crews specialise in staining and varnishing timber to protect it from the harsh Australian climate. The crew will apply premium stains and quality finishes to enhance the original beauty of the timber. The staining and varnishing products will also provide a durable and protective layer.
Final Thoughts
If you want to maintain your outdoor decking, it’s essential to perform routine inspections to assess how the elements have affected its general condition. It’s essential to call your local painting service at the first signs of wear or damage. Doing this will ensure that your decks remain durable and safe to use, especially for those fun-filled summer BBQs!
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