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When to Seal a New Deck

Sealing a deck helps to protect the deck. The seal helps to protect it against water damage, direct sun exposure and helps to prevent fading while also helping to extend the life of your deck. As such, after having a new deck installed, you may be wondering when to seal a new deck. There are a few key times when you should take the time to seal your deck or reseal it. Here are a few of those times.

When the Deck is Fairly New

One of the common misconceptions out there is that you should a deck when it is brand new. However, what many people fail to realize is that new wood typically has a lot of moisture stored inside of it. Most manufacturers store wood in temperature-controlled environments. Wood will not typically dry all the way out until it has been stored outside for some time. If wood is still retaining moisture, it will not retain the sealant that is placed on it. As such, you may have to wait about three to six months to ensure your wood deck is completely dried out before sealing it for the first time.

When the Seal Is Wearing Off

Another time when you need to seal a new deck is when the current seal is wearing off. Deck sealants do not last forever. They begin to wear out as they are exposed to the sun, weather elements, foot traffic and water. One of the ways to test to see if your wood seal is wearing out is to pour a small amount of water on various parts on the deck, particularly those that receive the most sun exposure or foot traffic. If the water balls up and sits on the surface of the wood, the sealant is still doing its job. If the water starts to seep into the wood, your sealant is worn. Generally, wood seal has to be reapplied every 12 to 18 months.

When Repairs Have Been Made To the Deck

The final appropriate time to seal a deck is after repairs have been made. Maybe you had the wood stripped and covered in a new stain, or maybe you had damaged boards replaced. After repairs have been made to the deck, and the wood has completely dried out, you should reseal it.

Deciding when to seal a new deck is only the first decision that needs to be made if you are looking to have your deck sealed. Once you have decided to have a deck sealed, you need to ensure the wood is completely dried out, that the weather will allow for the seal to dry, and that the temperature is ideal to ensure the seal fully dries without being evaporated. A professional deck installation, repair and maintenance company can help you determine when the right time to seal a deck is.

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