Why Professional Deck Cleaning and Maintenance Make Perfect Sense

Some of the most beautiful homes in the country are built with wooden decks in various styles. Wooden decks are very popular extensions to living spaces and serve multiple uses. For instance, decks provide convenient outdoor venues for entertaining friends, bonding with the family, or simply enjoying some quiet time. Unfortunately, decks are also constantly exposed to the elements and will inevitably succumb to discoloration and deterioration. The accumulation of dirt, as well as moss or algae growth, can affect the deck's surface and make it more susceptible to damage. Luckily, regular deck cleaning from companies such as Renew Crew can help maintain this outdoor structure and prolong its service life span.

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The Cleaning Solutions that Work Best for Wooden Decks

A wooden deck is a fine addition to any outdoor open space that you may have in your home. Its wooden composition is distinct, and it looks particularly beautiful on a nice summer day. The deck won't always remain in ideal condition however, and after a while you'll need to clean it up to make sure that its structural integrity does not become compromised. In order to do the cleanup process properly, you'll need an advanced cleaning solution for the job.

Commercial deck cleaners are widely available in supermarkets and hardware stores, and they are certainly more than capable of doing the job properly. These commercial cleaners are designed specifically to work with the wood, thereby creating little risk, if any, of the patio surface being damaged during the cleanup process. There are still alternatives to these commercial cleaners though, and you can even brew them up at home.

Mixing bleach and water at a ratio of two cups to one gallon yields a mixture that is highly effective in cleaning your wooden deck. The chlorine in the bleach is also an effect disinfecting agent that removes undesirable microorganisms. Using oxygen-based bleach is best for this application, so look for such products as you plan your clean-up. 

Recipes for Homemade Deck Cleaners

Your deck is a beautiful feature in your home's backyard. It requires regular maintenance to look good and last for a long time. Hence, here are some recipes for homemade cleaners to maintain your deck:

To make a general cleaner for your deck, mix 1 gallon water with 1 cup of powdered laundry detergent and ¾ cup of oxygen bleach. Pour it on the surface and scrub lightly with a brush, leave it for around 5 to 10 minutes, scrub again, and then rinse with water. For a maintenance spray that could be used on decks that have no stains, 2 cups of household vinegar should be mixed with 1 gallon of water.

For stains that may be hard to remove, a heavy duty mix is needed. Mix 3 quarts of water with 1 cup of oxygen bleach and 1 cup of TSP (trisodium phosphate). Once applied to the surface, scrub with a stiff broom and leave for 10 minutes, then scrub again, and rinse. On the other hand, to fight mildew, mix 3 quarts of water with 1 cup of oxygen bleach and ¾ cup of liquid dishwasher detergent. When applied to the surface, brush and leave for 10 to 15 minutes, scrub again, and rinse.

Lastly, for stains on your deck, mix a tablespoon of oxalic acid crystals with 1 gallon of water. Apply it to the stains and leave until the stains are gone and rinse well.

Deck Railing Choices for Your Home

Railings for deck application have greatly improved over the last 10 years in terms of material, design, and durability. Since the rails give an accent to your deck, you need to choose one that fits well with your deck flooring, and matches the style and color scheme of your house. Railings are a important design features for any deck, so it's highly recommended that you get one that suits your budget and your taste.

The most popular railing materials these days are composite and metal because both offer the advantage of low maintenance. Rails made of glass are a good option for those who want sleek and modern-looking railings, or simply one that preserves the view. Stainless steel cable rails are easy to install and can provide your deck with an extraordinary industrial look. There is also the common wood rail if you have a country style home or a log cabin.

Most railing systems are sold as kits and are fairly easy to install. Prices range from about $15 per linear foot for a basic pressure-treated wood rail to over $120 per linear foot for an aluminum-framed glass railing system. You can learn more about how each system is installed by talking to a local supplier you can trust.

Tips on Taking Care of Your Concrete Patio

A concrete patio is an excellent choice for those who favor a sturdy and long lasting area outside the house. However, like any surface, your patio will need regular cleaning and maintenance to keep it in good form. Here are some simple tips on caring for your concrete.

As much as possible, never put off cleaning your concrete; do it as soon as possible especially it you see grease, stains and molds. For regular cleaning, use a stiff-bristled broom to sweep it of dirt like fallen leaves and twigs. If you need to use water and soap to remove the dirt, use only mild soap to keep the concrete from fading.

If you notice any cracks, fill it with caulk. Sealing is a good way to protect concrete from damage. Use a good quality sealant to ensure that all crevices are covered, and that they do not easily come off. Otherwise, water will seep in and you'll endanger your concrete patio.

Should you deem that it needs a more thorough clean than you can do with a garden hose and a bucket of cleaning solution, call a professional for help. There are many contractors who offer pressure washing services and can guarantee that they can deliver quality workmanship.