Why Do Decks Need To Be Maintained?

Wood weathers and decomposes due to many elements.  The two main elements that cause damage to exterior wood are moisture (caused from rain, dew, etc.) and ultraviolet rays from the sun.  Other common factors are traffic, location and temperature. 

All these factors contribute to the degradation of the wood’s lignin, which is a glue-like substance that holds wood together.  When lignin begins to break down it will cause splitting, checking, raised grain and most obvious-discoloration of wood. 

Mildew growth along with the cellulose left as the lignin degrades, discoloration begins to appear much more causing a surface that is gray in color.  These loose fibers need to be removed before the deck is sealed otherwise the hard work of sealing the deck will simply seal in the discolored wood.

For professional deck cleaning and sealing make sure you contact us.

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