With sunshine year-round in Hawaii, family barbecues and outdoor gatherings on the deck are everyday happenings.
But to get your deck ready for the heavy lifting, it’s smart to invest in maintenance before inviting your friends and family over. Plus, HPM offers the products and services you need to help complete your decking projects.
Your Essential Maintenance Tips
The recommended maintenance for a deck will depend on its material, though you should always follow the manufacturer’s instructions to preserve the deck’s warranty. Many homeowners choose wood decking because it’s familiar, readily available, and affordable. But at the same time, wood decking problems, like splinters, rot, and high maintenance, can cause some headaches.
Composite, which is a recycled mix of wood and plastic fibers, is more durable, more environmentally friendly, and lower-maintenance than pure wood. Although composite decking is easier to maintain, some homeowners worry that it won’t look as beautiful as wood. However, manufacturing advancements today produce composites that emulate the rich, natural look of wood without the hassle of maintenance.
No matter what type of deck you have, keep it clean to help it last. Sweep off dirt, leaves, and puddles regularly, and remove any debris in between the boards. A power wash is usually recommended once a year for wood, after which you can reseal and stain the deck. While using chemical cleaners, cover nearby plants to keep them safe. Power washing can damage a composite deck, so use a deck cleaner and scrub brush instead.
Likewise, perform an annual inspection to check for safety issues. Examine any areas that are regularly exposed to water, tend to remain damp, or are in regular contact with fasteners, as well as the joints, beams, railing, and blanks. If you find any soft, rotted, rusted, or damaged spots or boards, consult a licensed deck professional on repairs or replacements. It’s always best to be on the safe side!
What’s on Deck at HPM
You can count on us for products to improve or build the right deck for your needs. We source high-quality products that work for Hawaii’s climate and offer NewTechWood® and MoistureShield® composite decking.
NewTechWood’s reliable decking boasts UltraShield technology, which protects against stains, fading, rot, and scratches. Plus, the decking comes with a 25-year limited warranty from date of original purchase and is affordably priced for those who need to follow a more rigid budget.
MoistureShield decking resists the elements, moisture, and insect damage and can be installed on the ground and even in water—perfect for Hawaii’s varying climates. The wood composite board is made from 95% recycled content and has been proven to last 30 years or more while requiring little maintenance. MoistureShield has a 50-year transferable structural warranty that covers stains and fading. The deck’s joists can be laid out and installed at 16” (40 mm) on center, so the boards can be arranged straight or diagonally, whichever suits your aesthetic.
Additionally, we offer ground-contact lumber as well as some of the best fasteners in the industry for installation. We can also do take-offs to help you determine the amount of material you’ll need on your decking project and provide fencing and railing systems to complement your deck and improve safety for your family and guests.
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Want to learn more about our decking products? Reach out to your nearest HPM location today! |