Driveway & Patio Cleaning Ashford
5 Tips to Get Your Decking Ready for the Summer We build decking for many reasons — to enjoy an al-fresco beer after a hard day’s work, to entertain friends, or just to simply gaze over the garden. Building it is one thing, but keeping it in tip-top condition is another. With summer on the horizon, it’s time to take an honest look at your outdoor area and ask yourself ‘how can I get it looking it’s best?’ The answer may not be as hard as you think.
Tip 1: Clear the deck(ing) An obvious way to start, but many of us forget to do it well, which can cause problems later on. Remove everything — potted plants, tables, chairs, gnomes — so that you have complete access to every square inch of the decking. Then do two sweeps — one with a broom to clear away debris, then another targeting those nooks and crannies with a smaller brush. Only by having a completely blank slate can we get to work on the important part — the cleaning.
Tip 2: Get a quick fix in (or two) With the space cleared, take the opportunity to carry out those odd jobs that you’ve been meaning to do — or perhaps the ones you hadn’t noticed. We sometimes don’t realize that decking rails sag, for example, or maybe a gap has appeared between the rail and the post that we didn’t see before. These issues should be easy to solve by watching a quick YouTube video or two if you’re not sure how — small improvements can have a big impact on your decking’s appearance.
Tip 3: Target the growths Algae and moss are inevitable in a damp climate, but they can dig into wood and cause it to rot. Their slippery nature also causes many slips and falls — so it’s a good idea to start by tackling them.
A good concentrated disinfectant spray should do the trick: it’s good at removing stubborn plants that cling to the surface and also prevents regrowth later on. Spray it on and go and make a cup of tea while you wait for it to try. They should then come off easily when you do the general wash.
Tip 4: Build up a head of steam Many people like the thrill of jet washing to clean their decking, but blasting water off timber may cause it to splinter. The best solution is to treat it gently but effectively with a hot-water DOFF system: this is an optimal blend of 40% water and 60% steam which softens stains and quickly removes them. Buying a DOFF system might mean you have to dig deep into your pockets but, as a decking cleaner, it’s still number one.
Tip 5: Seal the deal The best thing to do after a clean is to reseal the deck. Not only does it really bring out the decking’s freshly clean surface, but a good seal includes a waterproofing agent or mildew protection which massively reduces the chances of algae regrowth. Give the surface another quick sweep and apply the product carefully according to the manufacturer’s instructions — then let it dry. In a couple of hours, you should see the decking looking like new — and ready for that outdoor gathering.
It might be you don’t fancy doing the above jobs — and that’s understandable. In which case, let ProTeam Clean take on the burden. Our state-of-the art DOFF steam cleaner and range of pigmented oils and sealers means we’ll get your decking looking the same as the day you built it. Check out our website for some jaw-dropping before-and-after pics and a free, no obligation quote.