Owning an outdoor living space can be a great investment, but without proper deck protection, your deck can quickly become damaged. In this blog post, we'll discuss the different types of deck protection available and help you choose the best option for your needs. We'll also provide tips for keeping your deck looking its best year-round. So whether you're just getting started with a new deck or you've been neglecting yours for a while, read on for some helpful advice!
How to Protect a Deck from the Sun's Harmful UV Rays
UV rays from the sun are the number one weather factor that contributes to deck wear. The sun's UV rays break down the lignin in wood, causing it to turn gray and eventually crack and splinter. UV rays can also cause plastic and composite decking boards to fade and become brittle over time. To protect a deck from the Sun's UV rays do the following:
- Install a Canopy or Pergola over the Deck
- Use UV-resistant paint to help protect it from the sun's rays.
- Plant Trees Trees to Help Shade the Deck
- Use High-Quality Deck Sealers
However, even with the precautions, it is inevitable that your deck will eventually show signs of wear and tear. Regular deck maintenance such as cleaning and sealing can help to extend its life, but eventually, you will need to replace worn-out deck boards or resurface the entire deck.
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Protect your deck from the Weather with Deck Canopies and Pergolas
A covered deck is a great way to protect your wooden deck from the weather. It can help keep it cool during the summer and protect it from rain and snow in the winter. Additionally, canopies are a great way to keep the sun off of you and your party as you enjoy the weather outside.
There are a variety of different types of covered deck ideas to choose from. Some of which include:
Pergolas
Pergolas are a great way to add shade and protection to your outdoor living space. These structures are highly customizable, so you can control what they look like, how much sun your deck gets, and what color they are. Additionally, pergolas are excellent structures to hang plant life outside. This helps to give your deck that custom look you are looking for.
Pergolas are typically made from wood, but they can also be made from metal or vinyl. Wood pergolas are the most popular choice because they're easy to work with and offer a natural look. Metal pergolas are more durable and require less maintenance than wood pergolas, but they're also more expensive. Vinyl pergolas are low-maintenance and look like wood, but they're not as strong or long-lasting.
No matter what material you choose, pergolas are an effective way to add value and protection to your home. The one downside, of course, is the price. Since these are typically built with lumber or metal, the price can add up quickly as you customize them. So while this is our favorite type of canopy cover, the price may be a limiting factor for you
Awnings
Awnings are a great way to protect your wooden deck or patio from the sun and rain. Available in a variety of styles and colors, awnings can be easily retractable, making them a great choice for both protection and aesthetics.
Awnings can be operated manually, electrically, or with remote control, and while they may cost more upfront than other awning options, the long-term benefits make them well worth the investment. When retracted, a cassette stores the cover and its folded support assembly, protecting it from the elements. Some cassettes totally enclose the cloth covering, offering the most protection.
Other, less costly options only offer partial protection. Choose a durable cover that retains its color, resists dirt, and provides UV protection. Fabrics include cotton, polyester, canvas, or vinyl-coated, either sewn or glued.
- Sewn seams last longer.
- Vinyl-coated fabrics are waterproof and desirable for rain protection.
- Other fabrics are water-resistant in light rain.
- Polyester sags less on large awnings.
- Canvas is a good choice for a natural look.
No matter what your style or budget, there is an awning option that will suit your needs perfectly.
Umbrellas
While an umbrella may not be the most obvious choice for protecting your wooden deck from the sun, it can actually be a quite cost-effective and easy-to-use solution. If you choose a strong umbrella that is designed for long life, you will be able to easily set it up and take it down as needed. Additionally, umbrellas provide good protection from the sun's harmful rays. The only downside of using an umbrella for deck protection is that they can be susceptible to wind damage if they are not closed properly. However, this is a minor drawback compared to the many benefits that umbrellas offer.
When choosing a deck canopy, it's important to consider your needs and budget. If you're looking for the best protection from the elements, then an awning or pergola may be the best option for you. If you're looking for something that is easy to set up and take down, then an umbrella may be a better choice.
If you're not sure which type is right for you, you can consult with a local hardware store to find out what is on the market in your area. They will be able to help you choose the right type for the application that you have in mind.
How to Protect Your Deck from the Weather with Paint
One way to protect your deck from the weather is to paint it. Painting your deck can help to keep it in good condition and prevent it from rotting or warping. In addition, painting your deck can help to protect it from the sun's UV rays, which can cause it to fade over time.
When choosing a paint for your deck, make sure to select one that is specifically designed for outdoor deck use. We have found over the years that either an Acrylic Resin or Enamel based paint provides the best protection for your deck.
Once you have chosen the perfect paint, be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully. This will ensure that you apply the paint correctly and that it adheres properly to the surface of your deck.
With a little time and effort, painting your deck can be a great way to protect it from the elements and keep it looking its best.
Use Trees to Protect Your Deck from Weather and the Sun
As any wood deck owner knows, maintaining a deck can be a lot of work. Not only do you have to worry about weather damage, but you also have to regularly sand and stain the wood to keep it looking good. However, there are a few ways that you can reduce the amount of work that goes into deck maintenance. One way is to use trees for protection.
Trees can provide shade during the summer months, which can help to keep your deck cooler and reduce the amount of heat damage that it experiences. In addition, trees can help to protect your deck from rain and wind damage. If you have trees near your deck, make sure to trim them regularly so that they do not overhang your deck and cause damage from falling limbs. Additionally, make sure to keep the area around your deck clear of leaves and other debris so that it does not accumulate and cause water damage.
By using trees for protection, you can reduce the amount of time and effort that you have to put into maintaining your wooden deck. Additionally, trees can add to the beauty of your deck and help it to last for many years. As a result, using trees for protection is a great way to reduce deck maintenance and extend its life.
Use a quality deck sealer or deck stain to protect your deck from the sun and weather
A backyard deck can be the perfect platform for good times, but a wooden surface needs a proper deck sealant to protect it against the ravages of sun, rain, and temperature fluctuations. While you can choose to hire a contractor to seal the surface, many homeowners opt to tackle the task themselves.
Sealing a wooden deck isn’t a difficult DIY project to do. Here are the steps to a successful job:
Inspect the Deck Surface
Before you start to seal your deck, it's important to inspect the surface and make sure that it is in good condition. If there are any cracks or holes in the wood, you will need to fix them before you apply wood sealant.
Clean the Deck Surface
A pressure washer is an effective way to clean your deck surface before you apply sealant. This will help to remove dirt and debris that is lodged in the wood pores. Cleaning it this way will help ensure that the wood sealant adheres properly and provides the best protection for your deck.
Apply a Sealant Primer
If your deck is made of pressure-treated wood, it's important to apply a sealant primer before you apply the sealant. This will help to ensure that the sealant adheres properly and provides protection against water damage.
Apply a Wood Sealer
Once the primer has dried, you can then apply a coat of deck sealer to the surface of the wood. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully when applying deck sealers so that it is applied evenly and does not cause any damage to your deck boards.
When applied properly, a deck sealer can provide years of protection from the elements, making it an essential part of maintaining your deck.
Wooden decks are a popular feature for homeowners, and with good reason – they can add value to your home and provide a great place to relax or entertain guests. However, decks require maintenance, and if not properly taken care of, they can quickly deteriorate. In this post, we’ve shared four ways to protect your deck from the elements (Canopies, Paint, Deck Stains, and Trees). If you want to keep your deck looking great all year round, try using one or more of these methods.
Which protection method will you try first? We hope this information was helpful! If you are in need of assistance protecting your deck from the weather, give us a call – our team would be happy to help.