Too many decks are victims of neglect. Depending on where you live, your deck may be more or less susceptible to all sorts of weather-related wear and tear, and while you can?t stop the weather, you can do more to protect your home?s interior ? and that includes decks, porches, patios, and driveways.
Regular deck cleaning and maintenance can prevent all kinds of problems that build up over time, causing serious damage to both your deck and your home as a whole. Replacing your deck can be expensive, which is why keeping up with small cleaning and repair projects is essential.
Mold is one seemingly small problem that can become a very serious issue. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, 100% of mold types have the potential to be detrimental to your health. In fact, 93% of chronic sinus infections can be attributed to mold.
Mold does not just creep into your home through the roof and siding. It can become deeply imbedded in the foundation of your home, and an unhealthy deck is a great breeding ground for mold to grow and spread without detection.
Moisture is the primary cause of mold infestation. If rain water collects in clogged gutters and leaks onto an unprotected deck, it creates a perfectly good home for mold and mildew. To avoid this issue, make sure any downspout extensions are directed at least 1.8 meters away from the home?s foundation as well as the deck, patio, and driveway.
For minor cleaning projects, you can certainly do the work on your own, but it is wise to have a deck cleaning service perform a thorough pressure washing on your deck at regular intervals.
There are many deck cleaning products on the market, but most contain at least one of the following four chemicals as their main ingredient:
- Sodium percarbonate
- Sodium hypochlorite
- Oxalic acid
- Sodium hydroxide
If you prefer to make a deck cleaning product yourself, here is a great recipe recommended by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Products Laboratory:
- One quart sodium hypochlorite solution (regular household bleach)
- One-third cup powdered laundry detergent
- Three quarts warm water
For best results, call a deck cleaning company that can rid your deck of dirt, mold, and other bacteria and give your deck a new lease on life.
