If you want to enjoy your deck during the beautiful weather in summer, you need to take care of it in winter.
Winter is one of the most important times of year to make sure your deck is well covered, as exposure to cold weather will lead to wood destruction.
Cold weather and rain will easily degrade wood if it isn’t properly protected, resulting in costly repairs down the road.
Regular washing, and maintenance, as well as recoating the wood to protect it from water damage, are the easiest ways to maintain your deck in good shape throughout the winter.
To ensure your deck remains safe and lasts as long as possible, Melbourne’s preferred decking suppliers at Australian Treated Pine have put together some handy tips for you to follow to keep that Melbourne timber decking in tip top shape and ready for the better months ahead!
Keep Decking Timber Clean
As we leave the warm summer months behind and head into the heart of autumn and winter, your deck is going to be subject to plenty of rain and other elements.
Dirt blown onto your deck and leaves that fall from the trees all need to be regularly removed from your decking.
Dirt, dust, pine needles, and other particles will accumulate on your deck and in between the timber decking boards over time.
In autumn, this might not seem like a big deal, but if this debris is not removed before winter it could spell trouble for your decking,
In the winter, this debris allows moisture to be sealed in, which is bad for your deck because it causes wood rot and other structural and integral losses.
Before winter arrives, make sure the deck is clear of debris.
You also want to ensure your timber decking is free of mildew.
Mildew is a form of fungal infection. Mould and mildew are similarly related, but mildew is differentiated mostly by its colour: moulds come in shades of black, brown, red, and green, while mildew is white.
Mildew, in addition to being unsightly, will cause serious deck damage if left unchecked during the winter.
As a result, it’s important to get rid of any mildew before it has a chance to do any harm.
To fight mildew, you can purchase a commercial product or make your own basic remedy using traditional household cleaners.
Three quarts of water, one quart of oxygen bleach, and 14 cup of ammonia-free liquid dish detergent are used in one homemade recipe.
Use a garden sprayer to apply the mixture to your deck’s surface and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before rinsing. The mildew will be killed by the cleaner, and the mildew will be removed by the dish detergent.
Inspect and Repair Any Damage
After a long summer of great Aussie barbecues and Sunday sessions, even the most sturdy of Melbourne timber decks are going to have their fair share of wear and tear.
So, while your cleaning your deck, be sure to inspect it closely for any damage.
Note any areas that may require repairs.
Every winter, a thorough inspection is recommended to ensure that any cracks or uncoated areas are addressed.
Dry rot will harm wood, so use a wood filler and a stopper for nail holes and wood cracks to plug any breaks, holes, or cracks.
To further reinforce the wood and deter damage from spreading during the winter months, make sure repairs are completed before recoating.
Of course, sometimes the damage can be so bad that you need to replace whole boards within the decking.
If that’s the case, you can always buy timber decking online from Australian Treated Pine!
Re-Seal Your Timber Deck
You may want to reseal your timber deck or coat it in a new finish if you are thinking about changing its look or appearance.
Before applying a new coating to any wood surface, make sure it has been thoroughly washed to allow the new coating to absorb and stick to the wood for long-term protection.
A quality cleaning agent can act to rejuvenate weathered or greyed hardwood decks by drawing out dirt and grime.
To clean the deck, water it vigorously, then spread the cleaner with a bucket and mop over the whole surface.
Use a stiff-bristled brush to work it into the wood and let it sink in for about 15 minutes, just don’t let it dry out. If it does, lightly mist the surface with water to keep it moist.
Finally, use a high-pressure hose to remove the residue from the deck and let it dry thoroughly for at least three days before adding a new coat of paint.
Buy Quality Timber Decking in Melbourne Online
At Australian Treated Pine, we stock some of the best quality rough sawn timber and dressed treated pine timber in Melbourne, VIC, ranging from moist sawn timber to rougher header timber.
We have our own treatment plant attached to our factory, which sets us apart from many other rough sawn and dressed timber suppliers in Australia. Untreated and processed sawn wood, as well as high-quality dressed timber materials, are among our specialities.
