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Since most decks are in the outdoor area, they are prone to get damaged by direct sun rays and water from rain. Sealing your patio is not a difficult job, and therefore, you can do it by yourself to save up on the cost of hiring a company or professional. It will also work if you want a unique deck with your preferred decorations that will match the theme of your entire house. Here are a few things that might or might not work and lead to an excellent sealing of your deck that is important to consider.
It would help if you sealed your deck within a month of construction
Once your deck has been constructed or you have put up a new one, it is essential to seal it before a month is done since the wood preservatives wear off after thirty days in the open. Knowing if the wood is ready to seal is if it is dry and has stopped beading up moisture at the top.
Check out the difference between paint, sealant, and stain
Application of paint, sealant and stain is a common way to give wood protection against different damages:
- Sealants are used to protect the wood from damages caused by moisture buildup. They are ideal for just waterproofing since they contain properties that act as water repellents. Sealants typically offer less UV protection
- Stains- they have a pigmentation that adds colour and adds protection against UV damage and moderate moisture protection.
- Paint-apart from improving the deck’s ambience; paint also might protect against UV rays and moisture damage for a while. Deck paint should be painted strictly and dry wood to ensure that it doesn’t peel off or chip after some time.
There are multiple options for combined stain and sealant products to offer, along with a lasting solution.
Repairs before sealing
Before sealing, it is essential to ensure that all the repairs, washing or sanding of the deck is done. It is ideal to do everything needed to be done to the deck before sealing since cracks and breaking that might be there can be corrected to prevent future accidents. Thorough scrubbing, cleaning and sanding are ideal with dry up to twenty-four hours to ensure that no moisture will be locked up in the wood once the sealant is applied. When you apply sealant on a damp surface, there will be an uneven seal that will not offer the maximum protection needed for the deck.
While sealing, it is essential to consider the temperature of the day and the time of applying the sealant. An ideal temperature and weather is usually not too windy and humid weather and not the too hot summer weather which will cause the sealant to evaporate faster. The sealant requires proper absorption into the wood.
Conclusion
Seal for a deck is a service that is offered professionally. If you feel that you might not be able to pull it off, it is essential to research a professional to prevent further usage of money and time for repairs and, worst-case scenario, building a new deck.
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