Enjoy your deck! It's summertime in Andover and North Andover

Summer in New England is a very special time of year.  The days are long, school is over and it’s time to enjoy family barbeques and our backyards here in Andover and North Andover. Many homes have decks that are wonderful for enjoying the great outdoors, whether you are entertaining a crowd or just relaxing and enjoying the sunshine with a good book. Unfortunately, decks require maintenance to keep them looking fresh, clean and splinter free. If you are thinking about embarking upon a useful spring cleaning project, cleaning your deck is a great place to start. Proper maintenance is essential to extending the life of your deck. First, look over your deck carefully for any sections that may need repair. Next, thoroughly sweep it off. After that, you must arm yourself with a power-washer. These can be rented if you do not own one. There are a variety of deck cleaners available, but the best choice is an oxalic acid-based one. These clean your wood nicely, prevent rust, kill mildew and are even plant-friendly. If you have tough mildew stains, you will need to use oxygen bleach to remove the stains. Next you must coat it to keep it looking beautiful.   If your deck is in need of repair or you’re thinking about replacing or building a new deck or patio, check my on-line business directory for Andover and North Andover resources or contact me at RE/MAX Partners.  I can help you find experienced professionals to help you with all your home maintanence projects.