Why You Should Stain Your Deck After Winter Repairs
We’ve still got a ways to go before winter turns into spring, but it’s never too early to start thinking about the home improvement projects you wish to tackle once the weather improves. Outdoor decks tend to take a beating during the winter -- the combination of cold air, biting winds, regular snowfalls, and ice can cause your wooden deck to contract, crack, and break apart. When winter comes to an end, it’s important to inspect your deck for any winter-related damage and make the necessary repairs as soon as possible. After that, consider applying a fresh coat of stain.
Why You Should Stain Your Deck After Winter Repairs
Always Fix Before Refinishing
If you were planning on recoating your deck this year anyway, note that you should always make repairs prior to applying new deck stain. If you perform these tasks in reverse, you’ll end up making more work for yourself in the long run. It doesn’t matter how nice your deck looks if it’s not structurally sound, after all. Despite this fairly obvious reason to stain your deck after (not before) making winter repairs, here are some other reasons.
Set Yourself Up for Spring
If you’re fortunate enough to have a deck, odds are you want to get the most out of this leisurely feature. Fixing up your deck shortly after winter is the first step in this pursuit -- applying the best deck stain for your deck is the next step. If you wait too long to stain your deck, you’ll be leaving it unprotected, increasing the amount of wear and tear it experiences throughout the spring and summer. Plus, you probably won’t feel as inclined to make use of your deck if it looks bare. A freshly-stained deck will last you at least the entire season and impress any and all guests with whom you share it.
Defend Your Deck Against Wind and Rain
Winter weather is undoubtedly harsh on your deck, but you’re not entirely out of the woods during spring, either. The early months of spring tend to be windy, rainy, and generally unpredictable, which can wreak havoc on your deck if it’s not well-prepared. Quality outdoor deck stain will shield your deck from moisture, erosion, impact, pests, and ultraviolet radiation (UV rays/sunlight) -- elements that are all strongly in play during spring. If you wait until summer to stain your deck, you may need to make even more repairs as a result of these conditions.
Beat the Summer Humidity
Speaking of summer, while many experts claim that this season is superior for deck staining, summer’s heat and humidity can interfere with the staining process. Those who know how to stain a deck can tell you that high humidity levels can change the stain’s consistency and slow down its drying process, making it more susceptible to being ruined by falling objects or foot traffic. Spring has its share of hot, humid days, too, but far fewer than summer, So, if you want to stain your deck more efficiently, getting it done earlier during the spring is a smart call.
We Can Help You with Springtime Staining
If you’re preparing to repair and refresh your deck this year, the experts at Anderson Painting can help you fix, fortify, and beautify your outdoor spaces and more. To learn more about us and all we do, call today at 919-610-1855 or email us at info@andersonpaintingnc.com!
