For maintenance, wooden decks usually require the most upkeep. Maintaining a wood deck does not have to cost a lot, but you have to clean them with standard deck cleaner each spring to take away the dirt and debris that might have accumulated. After this process, the deck should then be sealed to protect it from the elements. This not only makes your wooden deck look good, but it also makes it more resistant to splintering, rot, and mold.
However carefully you maintain your deck, you still need to stain or repaint it after many years of use if you want to prolong its good shape. This consumes a lot of time, a given for wooden decks but necessary to keep property values high. The procedure for repainting the deck is to remove old paint, sand the wood planks, then repaint. It is recommended to use 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.
Wood decks need a lot of care and because of this, vinyl planks are a popular option for property owners. Although vinyl decks are easier to manage, they still need to be cleaned. 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 La Plata property has a patio instead of a deck, you might assume that there is no maintenance. But this isn’t so. Regular sweeping helps in keeping surface dirt away, but 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 helps. But carefully clean natural stone pavers since it could damage the surface. It is also a good idea to seal both concrete and stone to keep the dirt and stains away so it makes cleaning easier.
Finally, what is a deck or patio if it has no outdoor furniture? Regular cleaning and maintenance are also needed for outdoor décor furniture. The use of mild dishwashing liquid mixed with water and a soft-bristle brush is perfect for cleaning outdoor furniture. When not in use, cover items and store them indoors. Every year, wooden furniture should be cleaned, sealed, or repainted just like wooden decks. For fabric cushions or pillows they should be surface cleaned using mild soap solution and then air-dried to prevent mildew.
There you have it, these simple maintenance tasks can make your rental property’s deck or patio looking like the outdoor oasis renters want.
Need more advice for the upkeep of your property? A La Plata property manager at Real Property Management Gold would be very happy to serve you. You can contact us online or call us at 301-392-2172 for more information.