When we speak of maintenance, wooden decks usually are right up there that need the most upkeep. Maintaining a wood deck doesn’t have to break your bank account, you just need to clean them with standard deck cleaner each spring to take away the dirt and debris that might have accumulated over time. Then, the deck should be sealed to protect it from the elements. Doing this makes your wooden deck look great and makes it more resistant to splintering, rot, and mold.
After years of use, even if you carefully maintain your deck, it would need to be stained or repainted to stay in good shape. This part of the maintenance of a wooden deck is perhaps the most time consuming but necessary to keep property values high. When you repaint your deck, first remove the old paint, then sand the wooden planks, then finally, repaint. Make sure to purchase high-quality paint designed for outdoor use. It’s not just staining a deck; one must prep the wood before applying a new coat of stain. Both stained and painted wood should be coated with a sealant for maximum weather resistance.
Property owners who find maintaining wood decks to be too much of a hassle have turned to vinyl planks. Vinyl decks need to be cleaned but are very easy to manage. Because vinyl is already extremely durable and weather-resistant, most vinyl planks will need a good scrub with warm water and mild soap to stay looking like new.
If your Delafield property has a patio instead of a deck, you might be thinking that there is no maintenance needed. But this is false. Regular sweeping can only do so much, concrete and stone patios can still become dirty and stained. This is why it is important 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. For stubborn stains, a degreaser is a perfect solution. But carefully clean natural stone pavers since it could damage the surface. Both concrete and stone must be sealed so cleaning it would be easier.
Lastly, your deck or patio would need outdoor furniture. If your property includes outdoor décor or furniture, these items need cleaning and maintenance too. Most outdoor furniture can be cleaned with mild dishwashing liquid mixed with water and a soft-bristle brush. Cover items and store them indoors if possible when they are not in use. Wooden furniture should be cleaned, sealed, or repainted each year just like wooden decks. Surface clean the fabric cushions or pillows using mild soap solution and then air-dry them to prevent mildew.
These simple maintenance tasks can make your rental property’s deck or patio the outdoor oasis all renters want.
Need more advice for the upkeep of your property? A Delafield property manager at Real Property Management Greater Milwaukee is always at your service. You can contact us online or call us at 262-309-6961 for more information.