Tips for Maintaining Your Stained Deck

deck cleaningDid you know that a deck is considered a valuable investment for your home? According to Remodeling magazine, a deck can offer a return on investment of roughly 87 percent of the original cost. And like any investment, it pays to protect it.

Having your outdoor wood deck stained not only increases its aesthetic value, it helps protect it from the elements and prevent damage. However, a coat of stain isn’t the only thing you need to keep your deck in great shape. Regular maintenance and cleaning are essential to extending the life of your deck.

Here are a few tips for making sure you get the most out of your stained deck.

1. Keep it clean!

A deck that doesn’t get a good wash now and then can be subject to mildew, mold, and even rot. Your deck’s stain can do a lot of good by preventing much of these issues, but without yearly cleaning, debris can build up and wear the stain down, eventually causing unattractive spots and worse yet, costly wood rot. You can remove debris between deck boards by using a long comb or putty knife. Attach one of these items to the end of a long pole, PVC pipe or broom handle to go easy on your knees and back.

After you clear out the debris, make sure you give your deck a thorough sweeping. Finally, choose a cleaning solution that is appropriate for your deck’s material. It’s also a good idea to clean the deck on a mild weather day. Extreme heat can cause the cleaning material to evaporate more quickly. Last, but not least, rinse the deck thoroughly by running a hose across the deck several times.

You can also schedule a pressure washing service to come out and remove any mildew that may have built up over time. Professional pressure washers will know the right solution and pressure levels to use to get your deck clean without damaging the stain.

2. Perform a deck check-up.

In addition to keeping your deck looking great, it’s important to give it a once-over from time to time to make sure the structure is still holding up. Grab a flashlight and look underneath the deck to inspect the ledger. The ledger is the part that connects the deck to the home. A weak or damaged ledger can cause the deck to collapse. The ledger should be attached with lag screws, not just exterior nails. Also make sure the flashing (the material that covers the top of the ledger) is free from rust, holes or other signs of wear and tear. While you’re under there, you might as well check the rest of the hardware and ensure everything is attached properly and no screws/nails are rusted or missing.

After inspecting the deck underneath, check the railings and steps to make sure there aren’t any loose boards or missing hardware. Don’t be afraid to give the railings a good shake to test them. Also look for cracks that may have developed around the fasteners over time. If you find any, you can seal the crack with an exterior-grade adhesive after removing the fastener. To add a new fastener, drill a new pilot hole and add a new galvanized deck screw.

Check for signs of rot by gently probing areas with a flat head screwdriver. If you’re able to push the screwdriver more than a quarter of an inch into the wood, you likely have rot in that area.

3.  Call a professional.

It never hurts to have your deck professionally inspected once every couple of years. And if any of the tasks above sound too complicated or time consuming, hiring a pro can be a great way to save you from the headaches of doing everything yourself. At Colour Solutions, we offer a wide variety of home improvement services, including deck staining and refinishing as well as some light carpentry. Call 910-686-3067 today to set up a consultation.

Summer is the Time for Exterior Home Maintenance

Deck Painting Wilmington NC

Our customers frequently ask us what time of year is the best for tackling certain exterior jobs such as painting, pressure washing, staining or sealing outdoor flooring and making general small repairs.

Although here in southeastern N.C. we experience some of the best weather in the country, we think that late spring/early summer is just about ideal for addressing your home’s exterior maintenance needs.

If you are considering a fresh coat of paint for your home’s siding and trim, giving it a good pressure washing beforehand serves several purposes. It will thoroughly clean all  of the surfaces, trim, steps, walkways, and  easily remove any flaking paint or stain.

Prep

Take it from us, prepping for an exterior paint job with pressure washing is quick, easy and mess-free! We have even had customers discover that their home was not due for a paint job at all; it just needed a good cleansing blast from the Colour Solutions team!

Paint

As for painting, the good news is that the pollen is gone and the temps are seasonably mild, yet sunny. Which means quicker drying times, plus the days are longer so there’s more time to complete the task. The same applies to staining and sealing wood decking and porch flooring.

Another pro is that the kids won’t be out of school for a few more weeks, so no little footprints should hamper the progress! Then, when those long, lazy summer days finally roll around, your place will be ready for full-on family enjoyment!

Spruce

Sprucing up your home’s exterior provides immediate gratification. However, please don’t neglect other “to-dos.” There are plenty of spots that fall into the “out of sight, out of mind” category. However, though they are not exactly exterior areas,  the attic, crawl space and basement needs your attention too.

No summer home maintenance check-list would be complete without this entry:

Check for Leaks and Rot

After the much more frigid and wetter than usual winter we had, it is imperative to check all the areas of your home for any signs of moisture, mold, mildew or rot. If that is out of your area of expertise, just give us a call. We have heard stories from more than one customer about the damage caused by burst pipes.

The unfortunate twist is that homeowners were often unaware there was a problem at all. Please remember that in addition to our usual services, we also do small repair jobs and are experienced in diagnosing issues before they get out of control.

Drier summer weather allows areas that are prone to moisture retention to dry out a bit. Thankfully, that makes it much easier to fix any problems that may have arisen. Replacing wood, fiberglass or insulation that shows signs of excessive dampness is the best way to remove mildew and dangerous mold from getting a foothold.

When you have the piece of mind that your home is impeccably maintained (maybe with a little help from Colour Solutions) it will be a snap to take in every available bit of summer fun: beach days, bike rides, boat trips, barbeques…
Please call 910-686-3067 to find out what we can do for you.

Deck Staining and Painting in Time for Summer

Deck Painting Wilmington NCIf you want to have your outdoor deck looking ship-shape in time for summer, the time to schedule your staining and painting service is now! Colour Solutions offers high-quality, professional deck staining and painting at affordable prices, which is why we’re already booking up fast!

Summer is a time of backyard barbecues, family reunions and other at-home gatherings. If you’d like to impress your guests with an outdoor space that’s attractive and functional, a deck painting or staining project may be just the thing. You’d be surprised at what a difference a professional paint or stain can make for your deck!

Naturally, wood decks are subjected to the elements year-round, which can cause a lot of wear and tear as the seasons change. In North Carolina, our weather can fluctuate wildly, which means keeping your deck properly protected is essential to extending the life of the material. A high-quality stain not only makes your deck look more attractive, it protects it from Mother Nature’s challenges. Staining can prevent mildew, protect from ultraviolet rays and can help keep the material from rotting. Additionally, deck stains come in a variety of shades to suit your personal style. From rich, dark tones to light, natural shades and a few things in between, Colour Solutions can help you find the right choice for your wood deck stain.

If you’d rather have your deck painted, Colour Solutions can recommend a paint material that works well for outdoor wood surfaces. In addition, Colour Solutions will completely prepare the surface to minimize the risk of moisture and other environmental factors that may compromise your deck’s material. Like staining, painting your wood deck offers a variety of protective benefits, but may require a few additional steps; applying an exterior wood primer, for instance (see: Deck Painting Ideas in North Carolina) . But don’t worry; Colour Solutions has a team of highly experienced home improvement professionals who will treat your project with the utmost care and professionalism.

Instead of trying to do it yourself, hiring a professional wood deck stainer or painter can save you a lot of time and energy. If you’d like to begin planning your deck staining or painting project, feel free to contact Colour Solutions today. Give us a call at (910) 686-3067 or simply fill out our contact form online – but don’t delay! Our schedules are quickly filling up as people begin preparing for spring and summer!

Color Stained Decks

deckStaining your deck will offer valuable protection against mold, mildew and sun damage. But how do you determine the best shade or color to use?

Colour Solutions offers a wide variety of color stains for wooden decks, from light stains like oak and pecan to dark shades like ebony or even deep reds like mahogany or cherry. If your looking for something a little different, we can even give your deck a blue, green, gray or white stain.

With so many options to choose from, it’s best to narrow down choices that will complement your home’s existing color scheme. If you need a little extra help deciding, Color Solutions’ experienced professionals will be glad to offer suggestions and show you photos of past projects.

At Color Solutions, we offer pressure washing and high quality deck staining at reasonable prices. Call us today to hear more about color stained decks and to schedule a free estimate: 910-686-3067

Pressure Washing Your Deck in NC

Pressure Washing Wilmington NCDid you know that in addition to interior and exterior painting, Colour Solutions also offers pressure washing?

Summer is a great time to give your outdoor space a good, thorough cleaning and pressure washing is a great way to get rid of tough mildew and ugly debris that has been accumulating over winter and spring.

Pressure washing is a service we offer using special equipment that sprays a mixture of water and cleaning solution at a concentrated pressure onto your deck or your home’s exterior. The method is relatively fast and inexpensive and can greatly improve your home’s appearance.

A few reasons to pressure wash your deck or home:

Removes mildew and debris, which can cause damage and make your home look older than it is.

Gives your deck a fresh, clean look. (A great way to get your deck ready for entertaining this summer!)

Makes your deck/home more attractive to potential buyers. (If you’re putting your home on the market, pressure washing is highly recommended).

Extends the life of your exterior paint or stain.

Removes visible mold and algae as well as the spores they release, making it a proactive way to keep your deck/home clean.

Over time, exposure to the elements and extreme weather can make your deck deteriorate. By regularly power washing your deck, you can help extend its life. Since we live in the South, where heat and humidity are part of everyday life, it is recommended that you power wash your deck or home exterior once every 2 years.

Contact Colour Solutions today to schedule an estimate for pressure washing your deck! 910-686-3067