If you’re the proud deck owner, you know it’s the perfect place to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends. When they look at your deck and praise its beauty, you probably don’t want to mention the time and effort you put into ensuring it looks that way.
But what you may not know is that your deck could be harboring a hidden danger: algae.
Algae growth in decking is unsightly and slippery, making it a hazard for anyone using your deck. It can also lead to the deterioration of your decking material. But there’s no need to panic – there are plenty of ways to stop algae growth on your deck.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the best methods for preventing algae growth so that you can enjoy your deck worry-free. Your deck will be the talk of the neighborhood. So don’t let algae take over your deck this season, and read on to learn how to stop it in its tracks.
How to Stop Algae from Ruining Your Decking in 5 Easy Steps
Algae growth in decking is becoming problematic for more and more homeowners. In fact, a recent study found that 61% of deck owners have had to deal with algae growth at some point. The good news is that there are plenty of ways to prevent algae growth on your deck.
Here are 5 easy steps you can take to stop algae from ruining your deck:
1. Keep your deck clean
One of the best ways to prevent algae growth on your deck is to keep it clean. Does cleaning involve regular sweeping and washing with soapy water? Yes. But it also means taking care of any spills or stains as soon as possible.
If you have a spill on your deck, clean it up immediately. If you let it sit, it will be much harder to remove later and could lead to the growth of algae. So the algae will have nothing to feed off of.
Here’s a fantastic method to clean up your deck:
Use a power washer
Power washing your deck is an effective way to remove algae. But it’s important to use the right settings on your power washer, otherwise, you could damage your deck. When you use a power washer, always start with the lowest setting and work your way up if necessary.
It is important to set the pressure washer to the right pressure. Too much pressure can cause irreversible damage to your deck. If you’re not sure what setting to use, then the following point is for you.
- Set the pressure to 1,500 psi or less
- Use a fan tip nozzle, not a zero-degree nozzle
- Keep the power washer moving to avoid damaging the wood
After you power washes your deck, make sure to rinse it with plain water to remove any chemicals that could damage the wood.
2. Inspect your deck regularly
Inspecting your deck regularly is another great way to prevent algae growth. Look for areas that are starting to show signs of wear and tear. These areas may be more susceptible to algae growth. So it’s important to take care of them right away.
If your deck starts to show signs of algae growth, then it’s time to take action.
Remove any existing algae
When you inspect your deck, look for any areas that already have algae growth. If you find any algae, then you’ll need to remove it before you can start preventing future growth. There are a few different ways to remove algae from your deck:
Scrubbing with a brush:
This is the most common method for removing algae. Use a stiff brush to scrub the algae off of your deck. A stiff brush will help to loosen the algae so you can remove it more easily.
The first step is to scrub the affected areas of the deck with a stiff brush. This will help loosen the algae and make it easier to remove. Be sure to work in small sections so the brush doesn’t overload. Once you’ve brushed away the algae, you can vacuum up any remaining debris.
3. Apply a deck sealer
If you have a wood deck, one of the best ways to prevent algae growth is to apply a sealer. Sealers are the suspension of waterproofing agents in a solvent. When you apply the sealer, the solvent evaporates, and the waterproofing agents are left behind. This creates a barrier that helps to prevent water from penetrating the wood.
When the deck is sealed, there will be no water for the algae to feed off. Algae need water to grow, so a sealed deck is an inhospitable environment for algae.
4. Use a deck cleaner
Deck cleaners contain chemicals that kill algae and prevent it from taking hold. A deck cleaner can help prevent algae growth, keeping your deck looking its best. Just mix the cleaner with water according to the instructions and apply it to the surface of your deck. Then let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing it off. For best results, do this once a week or as needed. By keeping your deck clean, you can enjoy it for years to come.
5. Remove any standing water
Most people think that standing water is just an annoyance. They don’t realize that it can cause a lot of problems, like algae growth on the deck. Standing water is a breeding ground for algae.
When water is allowed to sit on the surface of the deck, it provides the perfect environment for algae to grow. The algae will eventually start to discolor the deck and make it look dirty.
The good news is that there are ways to remove the water and prevent the algae from coming back. One way to do this is to install a drainage system beneath your deck. This will allow water to quickly drain away, preventing it from pooling on the surface.
How can you get rid of green algae on your deck using a chlorine solution?
Are you tired of looking at that green algae on your deck? If you are looking for an effective way to get rid of green algae on your deck. Well, there is good news. There is a relatively simple solution that can help you get rid of the green algae on your deck for good. All you need is a chlorine solution.
Chlorine is a powerful disinfectant that can kill bacteria and algae. When used in a concentrated form, it can be an effective way to clean your deck and get rid of green algae. To use a chlorine solution, mix one-part chlorine bleach with ten parts water.
Then, apply the solution to the affected areas of your deck and let it sit for about fifteen minutes. After that, rinse the area with clean water. You may need to repeat this process a few times to get rid of the green algae completely, but it will eventually go away if you are persistent.
So if you are looking for a way to get rid of green algae on your deck, a chlorine solution may be just what you need. Give it a try today.
Can you use vinegar to kill algae on decks?
Vinegar is a weak acid, which means it can help to break down tough dirt and grime. It’s also effective at killing bacteria and fungi. As a result, vinegar can be used to clean everything from countertops to bathtubs. And vinegar’s cleaning power doesn’t stop there-it can also be used to kill algae growth on decks.
Algae are a type of plant life that grows in moist conditions. They often form a green film on surfaces like decks. While algae are technically harmless, they can make your deck look dirty and uninviting.
Fortunately, vinegar can help to get rid of algae quickly and effectively. Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle, and then apply the mixture to the affected area. Let it sit for several minutes before scrubbing it with a brush or hose.
You’ll be surprised at how well vinegar works in banishing algae growth – and you won’t have to use harsh chemicals in the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s not recommended. Algae can cause staining and streaks on the surface of your deck, making it difficult to achieve an even finish. If you do decide to stain over algae, be sure to power wash or scrub the area first to remove as much of the algae growth as possible.
While green algae on the wood aren’t harmful to humans, it can cause the wood to deteriorate over time. Green algae is a plant that grows in moist environments and gets its energy from sunlight. When it grows on wood, it can cause the wood to rot and become discolored.
In order to prevent algae from growing on your decking in the future, you should keep it clean and dry. Algae need moist conditions to grow, so by keeping your decking clean and dry, you will make it less hospitable for algae. You can also try using a deck sealer or stain to create a barrier between the deck and the algae.
Conclusion
The algae growth can be unsightly and cause decking to rot, so it’s important to take steps to prevent it from happening in the first place. Follow our easy tips for stopping algae growth, and you can keep your deck looking great all season long. Be sure to visit our blog regularly for more helpful hints on how to keep your outdoor spaces looking their best.