Your outdoor decking is by design exposed to all kinds of weather throughout the year; from the Sun’s scorching rays in the summer, to the seemingly constant drizzle and showers in autumn and spring. However, your decking is at its most vulnerable during the winter months when the biting frost and ice arrives.  Whilst quality decking can withstand extreme weather conditions very well; if left untreated it will eventually begin to deteriorate.  So you are best advised to treat your decking during the autumn months in order to ensure that it lasts for decades.

A bit of preparation

Before you apply any treatment it is essential to spend a little time getting your decking ready.  Take a stiff brush and clean the surface of any dirt and algae that may have formed.  You should also remove any leaves or other bits and pieces that can sometimes become attached to the decking.

For stubborn problems

In some instance you may find that the surface of the decking will not clear up as easily as you had hoped and that the algae or dirt remains even after repeated brushing.  If this is the case then try and get your hands on a pressure washer, which often yields fantastic results.  In addition you can use products such as Cuprinol’s Decking Cleaner, which serves to help remove dirt and prevent the re-growth of algae.

Applying a finish

Finally add your water-repellent finish, which will help to remove the chances of rotting during the wetter months.  The treatment will also help to reduce the appearance of cracks in your decking surface, which can be caused by the weather quickly changing from dry and warm to cold and wet.