DECKING
JONATHAN KIRBY, ROXIL’ S GARDEN EXPERT:
Decking may appear green from a range of biological growth including algae, moss and lichen. As well as being unsightly, it can cause problems like wood rot which causes wood to become brittle and break. Simply painting over this growth unfortunately won’ t solve the problem of green decking as it won’ t kill off the biological growth underneath or protect the wood. This means algae and lichens could continue to grow more prevalently than ever!
Instead, we would recommend treating the wood with a biocidal cleaner before applying a wood stain preserver like Roxil Coloured Wood Stain Preserver which will provide a bright colour and lasting protection from UV and wood rot. Here are some tips on how to preserve and protect your decking with colour.
Repainting a fence when algae strikes:
1. Choose a sunny day Washing and treating wooden surfaces fully requires some waiting time to allow your cleaning and treatment products to work effectively on the surface. Choose a sunny day to give your products the best chance of taking effect.
2. Don’ t be tempted to pressure wash While tempting to blast away with a pressure washer, this won’ t be able to completely remove black spot lichen. If consistently used on surfaces, it can lead to damage over time like impacting the structural integrity of decking.
3. Prepare the surface and choose the cleaner Instead, use a stiff wooden brush to brush away any loose debris from the area that you want to treat. Then, choose your cleaner but watch out for acid or bleach-based cleaners as these can damage the surfaces and be corrosive to the skin, and instead opt for a soft, non-destructive cleaner such as Roxil Wood & Patio Cleaner.
4. Apply the cleaner for up to 24 hours There is no need to wear a mask outside, so simply wear gloves to protect the skin and then apply the cleaner with a spray or wire brush, either neat or diluted depending on the space / size of the surface area.
Leave for between 1 to 24 hours to kill and loosen biological growth and dirt, washing away with a hose afterwards. Once washed away, the surface will be safe and pet-friendly.
5. Waterproof to help prevent regrowth To protect your fence from future growth, once it’ s clean it’ s time to waterproof surfaces. Make sure the surface is completely dry before applying small amounts of a protective sealer, like Roxil Wood Protection Cream, directly to the surface using a brush or roller, and leave it to absorb into the surface for 24 hours.
Protect with some colour. Now that your decking is clean, you can protect it with a protective wood stain such as Roxil Coloured Wood Stain Preserver. Apply by spraying onto the wood. You’ ll only need one coat but can add more depending on how vibrant you want the colour. Leave it for 24 hours then varnish to waterproof.
www. safeguardeurope. com / roxilcoloured-wood-stain-preserver
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