Balcony Decking Advice: Are You Making These Deck Maintenance Mistakes?
Mastering deck care is important not just to maintain the aesthetics of your home’s balcony, but also for its longevity.
With the wood and deck stains missing, most decks lose their charm and face a reduced lifespan. Consistent care and a thorough understanding of materials of decking materials is essential for keeping your balcony deck pristine and proper.
Proper care techniques make your balcony deck beautiful, durable and functional.
Here is a list of some common mistakes made by homeowners when it comes to deck care and you must avoid them!
1. Incomplete Understanding of Materials
From pressure-treated wood and composite decking to PVC (polyvinyl chloride) decking, there are plenty of deck material options available for you to choose from.
But for balconies, you might want to look into those that require less attention.
While pressure-treated wood is the cheapest of the lot, it requires consistent maintenance and staining.
PVC and composite decking are the two most commonly preferred deck options for balconies, as they are low-maintenance.
Composite decking is considered ideal for homes since it guarantees durability. They require fewer replacement boards and repairs. Moreover, they are eco-friendly.
PVC decking can withstand damage caused by changing weather conditions. They are made available in different styles and colours.
Don’t forget to keep your needs in mind while making a choice!
2. Not Calling Professionals
Regular checks on decks prevent costly repairs. While you can manage this yourself through daily cleaning, a more efficient way is to have a professional by your side.
Besides, getting wood and deck stains done by a professional in the first place will ensure perfection without any hassles. This will also reduce high maintenance needs in the future.
3. Neglecting Regular Maintenance
If we are to list out some of the common balcony deck problems, water would top the list.
Poor drainage, accompanied by leaks, can cause rot. Sometimes, water pools on the deck and becomes a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
Debris buildup takes the number two spot.
If you have a vertical garden setup on your balcony, you must ensure regular cleaning. Plants left untrimmed can attract insects. Plus, accumulated dead leaves and flowers can also spoil your deck.
4. Overcleaning
Unfortunately, the worst mistake, which often goes undiscussed, is aggressively overcleaning your home deck.
Scrubbing your deck hard can scrape away the top wood surface. This creates varying colour patches, making the decks look uneven. Also, it strips away the sealant that prevents moisture buildup.
Avoid using power tools for cleaning for a long time. The same goes for wire brushes. They can affect the delicate wooden top and wear it away over time.
The use of strong chemical cleaners can lead to corrosion. To avoid expensive repairs, use them sparingly or not at all.
5. Neglecting Safety
To ensure that your balcony deck is safe and secure, there are some issues you need to be aware of.
A missing railer, inaccurate rail height, missing joist hangers, and poor choice of deck materials are not just frustrating but also a high risk.
Take proactive measures to address these deck-related concerns.
If you have kids and pets, it is important to surround your deck with the right type of lighting. Make sure that the rails are strong and sturdy to prevent accidental falls.
Stay vigilant and enjoy your balcony deck space!
Conclusion
Remember to maintain and clean your balcony regularly. Always use high-quality wood and deck stains for finishing the surface. And don’t forget to kid-proof and pet-proof the balcony.
If you have successfully avoided these mistakes, congratulations! You will be able to keep your deck fresh for years to come.
