Deck Cleaning Solutions - Homemade Recipe For Getting Rid Of Mildew And Algae Off Of Your Deck

Here is a very simple home made recipe for all around cleaning that works great on decks. If you want to finally get rid of that mildew and algae,now is the time. This recipe was handed down from a older gentlemen who was a painter at a country club I met in 1971.

Mildew and algae are usually problems in areas that have a high level of moisture and it typically grows on the north side of the house or shady areas. Its generally an eye sore but left uncheck it can be a hazard. It will create a slippery spot just like a sheet of ice and if you have children or elderly folks its best to remove this problem.

This simple recipe is TSP or trisodium phosphate (TSP can be purchase at your local hardware store) and warm water with a little bleach. The TSP comes is a white power that is a little course and is mix in warm water to help it dissolve.

Bleach is use to destroy micro-organisms such as mildew and algae.

The generic cleaning composition is 1 to 1 1/2 cups TSP to two gallons of warm water,if there is a lot of mold I would add 1/2 cup of household bleach (do not use commercial bleach which is stronger). I generally make my recipe on the lighter side first. I can always make it stronger (stronger means 1 1/2 cups of TSP) or wash the area twice if I want to be careful.

Hose down the deck with water to get the pores of the wood to open up,this makes it easier to clean. With a scrub brush attach to a pole start to applied the cleaning solution on the deck, work a small section at a time. When you are satisfied with the results hose off the cleaner. If the mold has been on the deck for a long time you might not get it all off,so try to be happy with the results you are getting.

Do not try to make a stronger recipe by adding more TSP or bleach,if its necessary to clean the deck again,do so.

Never use bleach on a cedar deck,this will strip away its natural colors. If you are cleaning mildew and algae off of a cedar deck ask your local paint store what product they recommend. My personal preference is to just use a pressure washer with cold water.

Make sure you are careful when pressure washing cedar because its such a soft wood.

Take your time and preparation is the key for a successful job.

Earl Adkins has clean and seal over a thousand decks and author of the e-book Homeowner's Guide How to Maintain Your Deck. Get your free copy at http://deckcleaning.com Learn the best deck cleaning practices from a professional.

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Getting Your House Decked Out

Adding a deck to your property is not just a way of accessing more sunshine and fresh air. It also increases the market value of your property and, in the summer, it virtually gives you an extra room - or two!

Having a deck to access means outdoor eating and barbecuing for most of us. For others it can mean relaxed sunbathing or a pleasant place to read. For teenagers, it means a place to hang out and chat and laugh away from the watchful eye (and ear) of mom. The whole family will benefit!

Once you have the pleasure and freedom of being able to walk out on your own deck, you will always want to have a deck. So how much would it cost you? One quote gives the national average cost for a deck as around $8,000.00. This is using medium priced lumber and hiring a contractor.

Decks are reported to give a national average of 55% return on your money when it comes to selling your home, so in terms of dollar value, over half the money you expend will be returned to you.

If you live in an some areas of California, the return is quoted as high as 143% due to its mild climate and consequently the residents' constant usage of a deck. This means that if you spent $8,000.00 on a deck you could increase the value of your property by over $11,000.00! If you make the deck a family project and invite everyone to help for the weekend, (like the old days of 'barn raising') you can also cut costs by saving on the contractor fees.

Another way to cut costs is to choose economy materials, but this choice is also dependent on how long you will plan to stay at the house before selling, and how good you are at up-keep.

If you want totally maintenance-free, these days you can buy man made composite lumber or all-vinyl decking. Neither is economy-priced but both are guaranteed to last years and years! Composite lumber combines properties of both wood and plastic. It is slip resistant, does not splinter or warp, and needs no sealants or protection. It can be painted or stained if you want and boasts low water absorption. Composite lumber cannot be damaged by water, sun or insects.

Vinyl decking is durable in all climates. It is also slip resistant and has excellent durability against rotting or warping. There is a limited color choice, it being available in three colors, tan, gray and white, but one big plus is that it only needs cleaning with a garden hose.

An important quality of vinyl decking is the fact that it is virtually stain-free. Both the composite lumber and the vinyl decking are more expensive initially than regular lumber; however, they are also environmentally friendly. The manufacturers of composite lumber decking guarantee that they use no virgin wood and specify that they use re-cycled plastic grocery bags in the manufacturing process. It is always very cool underfoot.

If you decide to build a more traditional deck and use regular lumber, the medium priced woods are fir and cedar, with redwood being more expensive. You can save more money by using pressure treated wood, which is resistant to insects and water damage, but will not endure the sun so well in extremely sunny areas.

Doug Jones. Doug is continually striving to be the best Realtor in the San Diego CA real estate field and has won multiple Top Salesperson Awards. Doug can help you in your search for properties in the Lemon Grove real estate market.

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