Customer Service: Maintenance Tips Decks Maintenance Decks Care & Cleaning To preserve the natural beauty of your deck, use a waterproofing sealer once a year. Be sure the surface to be sealed is clean, dry and porous. The most important finish your deck receives will be the first one. For a new deck built with pressure treated lumber, let the decking dry out. The length of time for drying will vary depending on weather conditions. Test the lumber for dryness by sprinkling water on the surface. If it soaks in readily, the surface is ready to receive a finish. Pressure treated wood must be finished like every other type of wood. It should be coated with a water repellent and regularly maintained with finishes that help restore the preservatives in the wood. Redwood and cedar also need protection, especially if they contain light-colored sapwood. For decks built with "Trex", wait until the fading process ends, which takes approximately 6 to 12 weeks. You can paint or stain "Trex" to achieve a custom color, but it is not necessary for protection. Paints or stains that adhere well to wood will work with "Trex" also. The sun's ultraviolet rays penetrate the wood less that 1/64 of an inch, causing only cosmetic damage. Cycles of wetting and drying cause wood to expand and contract, leading to cracking, cupping, and warping. If wood stays moist for a long time, fungus can grow, rotting the wood or producing ugly black mildew. Insects may also be a problem; if they attack houses in your area, expect them to attack your deck. Deck sealing tips Make sure the deck is completely dry. Don't apply a sealer if it rained a lot the day before. Wait a few days. Apply waterproofing sealer in proper conditions. Wait for a dry day when rain is not predicted within 48 hours of the application. Also make sure the surface is not hot to the touch. Remove dirt, mildew, algae and other deposits. For older decks, a power washer may be used to strip decking of dirt and mildew. For older decks, check for any nails that may have worked loose over the winter. Replace them with galvanized all-purpose deck screws. Drive them in close to the old nail. Then fill the old holes with wood filler. Sand any rough surfaces. Apply a water sealer or stain with a paint roller. Purchase an inexpensive extension handle for the roller so you can work standing up. Begin applying the sealer on the decking nearest to the house and work your way out away from the house. Use a paintbrush to apply the sealer in the corners and between tight spaces like the railings or steps. Roll the sealer on only one or a couple of boards at a time always keeping a wet edge. If a wet edge is not maintained, a checkered effect may result. Do not let the sealer puddle, as this may result in a sticky surface that needs to be removed. In most cases, one thin coat is sufficient.