Is your deck ready to show?

Many of us love out door living, and when selling your home this should shine.

Is your deck ready to show, below as some tips to help you keep your investment looking good and will help you in getting ready to sell!

Clean your deck (once a year)
Dirt, grime, mildew, or mold can build up your deck over the course of the year. Not only can they diminish the look of your deck, they can also make it slippery and, in the case of mold and mildew, damage your deck. 1. Visually inspect your deck. Look for dirt, grime, mildew, and mold. Even if none are readily visible, you should still wash your deck. 2. Wash the deck. A power-sprayer is an easy way to remove the dirt and grime. However, for mold and mildew, or if you don't have a power-sprayer, use warm, soapy water and a scrub brush. Thoroughly scrub the surface of the deck. Make sure you remove all mold and mildew you find. 3. Rinse the deck. Use a water hose to wash away the soap and water along with any loosened dirt, grime, mold, or mildew. Re-seal or re-stain your deck (once a year)
Once of the biggest ravages your deck can face is moisture. In order to keep your deck in good shape for years to come, you need to re-seal or re-stain it each year. 1. If you haven't already, clean the surface of the deck. A power-washer is an easy way to do this. If not, you can also use a large scrub brush and soapy water. 2. Let the deck dry. 3. If the deck already has a finished or sealed surface, remove the finish or seal with a remover/stripper that you can purchase at your local hardware store. Follow the directions on the package. 4. Purchase new sealant or stain. Make sure any stain you choose is meant for the outdoors and can protect the wood from the elements. For following steps, you should wear a dust mask or respirator to prevent the inhalation of particles and/or fumes. 5. Sand the deck. It must be smooth before you can refinish it. A medium grit sandpaper will probably work for most decks. Remove any sanding dust that may be left behind. 6. Apply the finish or sealant. If you're using a colored finish, make a test spot first to see if the color you chose is indeed the color you want. Using a foam brush, staining pad, or nylon/polyester brush, apply the stain or sealant with the grain of the wood. For colored finishes, work quickly and don't stop in the middle of the job for break. Doing so can cause the finish to dry uneven, leaving you with streaks. 7. Let the stain or sealant dry. This should take approximately two hours (depending on humidity and temperature). 8. Add a second and possibly third coat to enhance the protection of your deck.

Remember it should shine as the rest of your home!

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