Do you see those black spots stretching over your deck? These fuzzy spots initially appear harmless, but they soon develop into stubborn mold and mildew. They do not just make your deck old-fashioned; rather, they also generate slippery floors that may lead to accidents.
Of course, nobody wants that!
So, what is the solution?
The good thing is that you can prevent the occurrences of mold once you know the reasons behind its occurrence, and then you can keep it at bay.
Why Mold and Mildew Grow on Decks
There is one thing Mold wants more than anything. Moisture.
When water remains over wood for a long duration, the mildew spores grow and begin feeding. Even shaded ones become worse since they do not dry. The ideal environment is also created by the accumulation of dirt, the lapsed leaves, and blocked crevices. Then, these patches, in the long run, may stain your deck. They can weaken boards. They even have a very musty odor that ruins the outdoor space.
Clean the Deck Regularly
The initial line of defense is cleaning. A dirty deck traps moisture but regular cleaning does not let the mold grow. Start by sweeping. Get off leaves, dust, twiggy stuff, and crumbs of food. Mold grows quickly whenever something is rotting. After sweeping off, wash it. A light deck cleaner, or a combination of soaps and water, is fine. Careless use of harsh chemicals is not a good idea unless the mold is heavy.
Rinse well after washing. When you leave soap, it welcomes more dirt.
How to Get Rid of Mold the Right Way
In case the mold is already present, you should take stronger measures. This is usually effective with a combination of water and white vinegar. Vinegar dissolves mold, but will cause no harm to the wood. Wipe, rub, and leave the solution to rest. Then rinse it off.
Oxygen bleach can also be used safely on stubborn spots. It will kill mould without depriving the deck of its colour. Do not apply chlorine bleach to wood since it destroys the fibers. You must maintain the deck and also clean it regularly.
Enhance Ventilation and Light
Mold does not like dry and sunny places. So the best thing is ventilation. Airy spaces keep the mold away. Also, cut surrounding vegetation that shades the sunshine. Reduce the bushes on the deck. Lift curtains or shades that make the deck excessively dark.
The airflow is also improved, and thus this implies the deck dries quicker following a rain or a wash. Additionally, the slight alteration of sunlight will slow down the growth of molds significantly.
Fix Drainage Problems
This is a big fact that mold predominantly is caused by standing water. When puddles form, we need to deal with drainage issues right away.
The first thing to do is remove any boards or puddles that have formed. Also, in some cases, the deck does not stretch away but towards the house. That traps water. Re-grading some places or changing the slope facilitates the process of water running off. It is also important to keep the gutters clean so that water does not fall directly onto the deck.
Seal the Deck
A closed deck is moisture-proof. Sealers provide a resistant coating that prevents the wood from being soaked by water. Select a waterproof sealer of high quality. Both clear and colored options are suitable. Repaint the deck at least once every 1-2 years. Watch out to ensure that the deck is dry before sealing. Sealing on top of moisture locks in water, which is the last thing you want to do. So be careful with making that mistake.
Keep A Clean Space between Boards
Board decking should be allowed to breathe. In case the angles are too narrow, the water will not drain. Mold will deposit in those narrow crevices. Ensure that the gaps are not blocked by leaves and dirt. Rubbish can be swept away with a little brush or a very fine instrument.
Adequate spacing assists in drying your deck naturally. And this little measure goes a long way.
The Bottom Line
It is not hard to stop the mold and mildew. All you need to do is stay consistent when it comes to cleaning the deck and maintaining it.
Enhance access to sunlight, and seal any spaces on a regular basis. These measures keep your deck fresh, strong, and attractive. And the best part it that you can safely walk on it all year long.