Helena Talbot's blog - How To Properly Maintain Your Deck All Year Around

Having a deck or installing a new one can increase the value of your home and will give you about a 77% return on your investment when it comes time to sell.   So it's important that you take the time necessary  to properly care for your deck all year around.

Here is a deck maintenance schedule you should adhere to in order to protect your investment.

If you have a wood deck, you should clean and seal it once every year.  If you have a vinyl deck, you should clean it once every year.  Make sure you cover your plants, bushes or any foliage you have with plastic sheets before you begin.

Spring:
• Wash your deck to remove any mold and debris that has gotten into the wood.  You will  need to scrape out the debris between the boards as well.  For a wood deck you can use any general deck cleaner or if you prefer, you can use a half bleach and half water solution .   If you have a vinyl deck, you will need to purchase a deck cleaner that is specifically designed to clean composite materials.  Then use a soft brush to gently scrub it clean; however,  you should never powerwash a vinyl deck as you may damage the material and void the warranty.
• Seal your wood deck if it needs it.  You can test your deck using water to see if it needs to be resealed or not.  Hose your deck down with water and if the water beads up you don't need to seal it.  If the water soaks into the wood, it's time to reseal.
Summer:
• Inspect your deck visually to check for potential hazards.  Check for loose boards and if you can access the underbelly of your deck, check the posts, joists and beams for rot or structural damage.  Additionally, you should check for any potential pest problems and address them if needed.

Fall:
• Look for any nails that have started to come up.  If the nail is only slightly raised, just hammer it back down.  However, if it has raised substantially, you should pull out the nail and then re-install a screw that is longer than the nail you just removed.
• Trim any bushes or foliage away from your deck to help prevent rotting.  You should also move around any pots, chairs and tables you have on your deck to help prevent discoloration.
You should sweep your deck periodically to remove any debris that has piled up around the area.

I hope you have found this information helpful.  If you are thinking about buying or selling a home, call your realtor, he would be more than happy to help you with the entire buying and selling process from start to finish.

I specialize in helping buyers and sellers invest in real estate in Loudoun County and Northern Virginia.

I have over 25 years experience in the real estate industry.  As a Broker/Owner with Exit Realty Talbot and Company, I bring special tools and solutions that enable me to exceed the expectations of my clientele.  If you are considering listing your property in Loudoun County or the nearby areas, ask me about our latest internet marketing systems.  I would appreciate the opportunity to earn your business.  I am experienced in listing and selling short sales.  For information on the short sale process, please visit  www.LoudounShortSaleSolutions.com.

For a free market analysis on the value of your home, please visit http://www.LoudounHomeValues.com

My past awards and designations include – 2003 President of the Dulles Association of Realtors, 2003 Dulles Area Assoc Realtor of the Year, Salesperson of the year 2000 Dulles Area Assoc of Realtors,  Top Producer awards from both the Dulles Area Association and the Northern Virginia Association of Realtors.  I am a member of the Top 5 in Real Estate Network.

I have lived in Loudoun County since 1979.  I am married with two grown children and two grandchildren.  My son in law is my business partner in real estate.  I love to jog in the mornings and spend time relaxing on my Trawler during the summer months.

Loudoun County and Northern Virginia Real Estate Sales and Solutions – Helena Talbot, Broker. I specialize in helping buyers and sellers invest in real estate in the Northern Virginia area to include Loudoun County and surrounding areas including Fairfax, Clarke, Fauquier, Prince William  Counties.  Our local neighborhoods includeLeesburg, Ashburn, Sterling, Potomac Falls, Brambleton, Broadlands, Lansdowne, River Creek, Belmont Country Club, Beacon Hill, Shenstone, Waterford, Lovettsville, Purcellville, Hamilton, Round Hill and Bluemont.                        Cell 703.727.9885    Office 703.574.3800

Free iPhone/Android Mobile App to search Northern Virginia real estate.  2 easy ways to get the App:  Text “Exit9” to 87778 or enter http://87778.mobi/Exit9 into your browser.