With regards to maintenance, wooden decks oftentimes are in the lead on the list of those needing the most upkeep. Maintaining a wood deck doesn’t have to be an expensive worry, nevertheless, you do need to carefully clean them with a standard deck cleaner each spring to clear away any dirt and debris that has accumulated. After being cleaned, the deck should then be sealed to protect it from the elements. This will certainly ensure that your wooden deck looks terrific and is more resistant to splintering, rot, and mold.
After so many years of usage, however, even a carefully maintained deck will need to be stained or repainted for it to remain in a fine state. This is surely one of the most time-consuming parts of having a wooden deck, but necessary to keep your property values high. If your deck is painted, the old paint must be scratched off, and the wood planks sanded before being repainted. It is the right idea to use high-quality paint designed for outdoor use. Staining a deck is a bit more basic and easy, but the wood still needs to be prepped for the new coat of stain. Both stained and painted wood should be coated with a sealant for the best possible weather resistance.
The measure of care and attention that wood decks require has led to more property owners choosing vinyl planks instead. Vinyl decks also need to be cleaned though they are, oftentimes, quite easy to attend to. Since vinyl is already extremely durable and weather-resistant, some vinyl planks will surely just require a good scrub with warm water and mild soap to sustain and keep it looking like new.
If your Lehi property has a patio instead of a deck, you may be assuming there is no maintenance required. But that isn’t true. Even though regular sweeping can help keep surface dirt at bay, concrete and stone patios can still become dirty and stained. This makes it essential to thoroughly clean the patio at least once or twice a year. Concrete can be hosed off, and pressure washed or scrubbed with a bristle brush. A degreaser can be used for stubborn stains or smudges. But natural stone pavers should be cleaned carefully to avoid damaging the surface. Both concrete and stone can also be sealed to keep the worst of the mud and stains away and, in turn, make cleaning a much easier process.
Lastly, no deck or patio is complete without outdoor furniture. If your property includes outdoor décor or furniture, these items will certainly require regular cleaning and maintenance, too. Most outdoor furniture can be cleaned with mild dishwashing liquid mixed with water and a soft-bristle brush. As soon as items are not in use, they must be covered and stored indoors, preferably. Wooden furniture, just like wooden decks, should be cleaned and either sealed or repainted each year. Fabric cushions or pillows should be surface cleaned with a mild soap solution and then next fully air-dried to prevent mildew.
Just by doing quite a few simple maintenance tasks, you can retain and keep your rental property’s deck or patio looking like the outdoor oasis renters want.
Need more tips on upkeeping your property? A Lehi property manager at Real Property Management Utah County would be excited to talk to you! You can contact us online or call us at 801-889-1517 for more information.