A difficult part of owning a wooden deck is dealing with mold. Since it is a natural environmental byproduct, mold is not covered by most product warranties. So what are some ways you can minimize its effects? 1918 Preservation, a deck building company in Perry, Ohio, is here to tell you how to prevent mold on your wooden deck.
6 Easy Ways To Prevent Mold on a Wooden Deck
If your home is located in a wet area or one with a lot of shade, it’s almost a certainty that mold and mildew will form. Depending on the conditions, mold will show up on more than just wood. Vinyl, sheetrock, and composite materials are not immune to mold and mildew.
When you notice mold forming on your deck, you should be worried. If left alone, mold and mildew can cause serious and sometimes even irreparable damage to your decking, such as discoloration and rotting. If your deck is built too close to the ground, mold and mildew can multiply and make the problem so much worse.
Regularly Cleaning
The absolute best way to prevent mold and mildew from forming on your wooden deck is to regularly clean it. MOld and mildew cannot form if you do not allow it to. However, it’s understandable that there may be more pressing matters in your life that you need to attend to. Luckily, there are still multiple ways to get rid of mold and mildew if regular cleaning is not an option.
Sodium Percarbonate
To remove mold from your deck, you will need to use a cleaning solution that contains sodium percarbonate. Another viable option is a mix of bleach and water, but bleach can be damaging to the wood. These cleaning solutions can be found at your local hardware store. After getting rid of the mold, make sure to apply a coat of protective deck stain. This will ensure that mold does not form again for a while.
Pressure Washing
Another great way to remove mold from your deck is by pressure washing. When done correctly, this is a very quick and effective way to clean your deck and get rid of mold that is in hard to reach areas. However, you need to make sure that you do not use too much pressure. If you use too much pressure, you can inflict serious damage to your wood. After pressure washing, you will need to rinse your deck with your garden hose.
Baking Soda
If pressure washing isn’t a realistic option, then we recommend using baking soda. Add a cup of baking soda to a gallon of water and start scrubbing. After scrubbing out the loose spores of mold and mildew, rinse the affected area with your garden hose. Another option when getting rid of mildew is to mix vinegar with water.
Sunlight
If you’re looking for home preservation help, junk removal services, deck installations or other home improvements, call 1918 Preservation LLC today. We’re an all-purpose deck builder that keeps local homes at their best. Our team has 25 years of combined experience in the property preservation industry. That means you’ll receive the highest quality work no matter what service you choose.
Hire our team today by calling 216-240-5053.
We service homeowners in the following areas throughout Ohio: Concord, Fairport Harbor, Madison, Mentor, North Madison, Painesville, Perry, Wicklife, and Willoughy