Deck Refinishing San Diego: 4 Signs Its Time to Refinish Your Deck.

The mildly harsh San Diego weather can be quite unforgiving to your deck, and other exterior exposed woodwork. The pounding rains, glaring sunshine, gnawing invasive insects, and fluctuating temperatures can cause your wooden deck to deteriorate real quick.

The paint or stain on your deck is meant to protect your wooden deck from harsh weather elements and seal the surface against moisture infiltration. When the stain or paint starts to fail, it exposes the wood to moisture and a possibility of mold and mildew attack.

If you’re wondering whether or not it’s time to refinish your deck in San Diego, here are some signs to look out for;

1. Paint Peeling
If your deck was previously painted, peeling paint is an indication of failure in paint adhesion. Peeling is often an advanced sign that deck repainting is overdue. If peeling paint is not addressed immediately, the failing paint film can allow water to get in contact with the wood and result in water stains as well as wood rot.

A painting contractor would typically strip off the loose failing paint, sand the surface to a smooth finish before applying a new coat of paint. A high-quality exterior paint designed for wood surfaces is used to avoid premature paint failure in the future.

2. Mildew and Mold
Mold and mildew are common fungi that flourish on damp surfaces that often have limited exposure to sunshine. Mildew growth on decks is common where the deck is exposed to excessive moisture, such as from a leaky gutter or constant rainfall. Shaded areas of the deck are also more likely to experience mildew attack.

Other than growing directly on the deck surface, mildew, mold and wood rot can also develop underneath the wooden planks. This hidden area has a likelihood of high moisture levels and nearly no sunshine. A professional deck refinishing expert will treat the mildew/mildew with an appropriate chemical and then pressure wash the deck to clear any resulting residue.

3. Fading Paint/Stain
Both paint and stain eventually fade out after prolonged exposure to UV rays and precipitation. UV rays break down the color pigments in the finish, living behind a lighter shade than the original color. Fading is more noticeable and less flattering on painted decks and can make your deck appear dull and neglected.

Deck stain tends to fade more uniformly and ages gracefully. But while the looks might be still relatively intact, fading stain losses its surface protection power. You don’t have to refinish your deck at the first sign of fading. However, significantly faded paint or stain deserves a new finish to restore the surface protection ability and aesthetic appeal.

4. Deck Splintering
Deck splinters are often a sign of a neglected deck. If you fail to update your deck for several years, water sips into the boards and causes them to splinter and crack. Walking on a splintered deck can be hazardous. And you’re almost guaranteed of injury if you have little kids playing around on the deck.

Thankfully, you don’t have to replace the splintered boards. Hiring a professional deck refinishing expert can help. The Pro will typically hold down large splinters back into position using glue and sand off the rest of the splintering and feathering surface to a smooth finish. Next, they will either apply a new coat of paint or stain, depending on your preference.

The Bottom Line
Refinishing and repairing your wooden deck is an essential maintenance practice that will extend the useful year of the deck and keep it looking great. If you’re not sure whether it’s time to refinish your deck, watch out for the above signs and consider regular deck inspection.

Need professional help refinishing your exterior deck in San Diego? Peek Brothers Painting would love to help. To give us a try, call us on (858)505-1361 for a FREE estimate.