With summer on the way, more people are looking to enjoy their outdoor decks and patios. However, winter weather can be tough on the material, and many homeowners may be surprised to see the level of discoloration on their decking. The team at R & R Construction & Roofing, based in Tallahassee, AL, wants to help you get your deck ready for summer.

Their team has put together a few simple ways to get rid of that unsightly discoloration and restore your deck to like-new condition:

• Use Bleach: Mold and mildew are some of the most common causes of discoloration and often manifest as dark black streaks along the wood’s surface. Luckily, they’re relatively easy to get rid of with the help of regular household bleach. While it may be tempting to use full-strength bleach on the stains, it could end up discoloring the wood. Instead, combine one cup of bleach to half a gallon of water. Then, scrub the wood with a stiff broom and let the bleach sit for about 15 minutes. Once done, rinse the decking thoroughly with your garden hose.
• Re-stain the Wood: Over time, the finish on residential decks can fade or peel up. While this may not be the look you want, it is perfectly normal and does not necessarily mean that there’s anything wrong with the materials themselves. If you want to restore the finish, you’ll need to strip any remaining coats with a stripping agent. Once done, rinse the wood and allow it to dry. Then, apply the new finish according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Restore the Wood: Unstained decks are beautiful when they’re brand new, but the color can fade and turn gray after a year or two, causing the wood to look discolored and prematurely aged. Rather than calling your residential contractors to replace the entire structure, you can use an oxalic acid treatment to brighten the decking and restore the wood to its original color. If you’re unsure of what products to use or want an experienced professional to handle the restoration, contact your local home restoration team.

Whether you need advice on how to restore the decks around your home or want a professional to replace your exterior siding this summer, the team at R & R Construction & Roofing can help. Learn more about their services online and call (334) 283-2129 to schedule a consultation.