Wood decks can get slippery from mold and mildew. Here’s how to keep it safe.
If you have or are looking to install a deck, a wood deck is one of your best options. Wood is the only natural building material on the market and is affordable and appealing. One common issue that people with wood decks face is slipperiness. How do you make a wood deck less slippery? You can prevent a slippery wood deck in every season with these steps.
Sweep Away Debris
First, sweep away debris off your deck often. Twigs, leaves, and dead cicadas can fall on your wood deck here in Maryland, and it is important to sweep these organic materials off the surface regularly. When organic matter stays on the wood surface, it can leach moisture into the wood, causing mold and mildew to grow. Mold and mildew cause wood decks to become slippery, and when it is ingrained, it becomes harder to deal with, but not impossible in the least.
Clean the Deck
To make your wood deck less slippery, it is best to clean it thoroughly after sweeping the debris off. Choose a time that forecasts several sunny, dry days in a row. One can wash off ingrained grime from the deck with a pressure washer. One can use a fan nozzle to get more coverage at once and avoid damaging the wood.
You can also use a homemade or commercial deck cleaner solution, spraying it onto the deck and letting it sit for 15 minutes, or however long instructed. Then, rinse off thoroughly with a hose and let it dry completely.
Protect the Deck
The next step is to seal the deck, so excess moisture and slippery mildew won’t make it back in the wood again. A deck stain will likely have sealant in the solution. A deck stain can be either clean, translucent, or solid. You can also add a mildewcide to the stain in particularly humid and wet areas like Maryland.
Prevent Future Slipping
Lastly, you can make a wood deck less slippery by applying slip-resistant paint or resin to the deck’s surface. This product can be marine-grade for especially slippery decks. Simply rolling it onto the surface will be sufficient, allowing for plenty of time to dry.
Call Mid-Atlantic Deck & Fence For Your New Deck or Fence!
Mid-Atlantic Deck & Fence has almost 30 years of experience in building beautiful custom fences, gazebos, screened-in porches, and decks throughout the state of Maryland. We have the expertise to design your dream fence or custom deck and have it installed in a headache-free process. Give us a call at 1-800-833-9310 or visit us online for a quote today! We offer many different styles of fencing and decking, in addition to custom options designed specifically to suit your preferences and tastes. To see examples of our work and get more tips on how to choose the right decking for your family, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Houzz, Pinterest, YouTube, and LinkedIn.
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