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With the official start of spring and a few mild, pleasant days under our belts, it’s hard not to feel excited about getting back outside. The sun is shining, and the garden is calling – and if you’re anything like us at Savoy Timber, you’re probably already thinking about preparing your timber decking for the warmer months ahead. But the seasonal change isn’t an automatic indicator that it’s time to break out the sealant. So, before you rush to reseal your decking, there are a few things to keep in mind to make sure you’re doing it at the right time.
We’re sure we don’t need to tell you, but it’s been a long, cold winter for many parts of the UK, and that means your decking could have taken quite a beating. Between all the snow, rain and freezing temperatures, winter weather can cause all sorts of damage to your decking, especially if it’s timber. You might notice cracks, splinters, or even discolouration from excess moisture if you left your sealing a little too late last year.
If your decking looks worse for wear, it might be tempting to just reseal it, call it a day and see how it goes. But here’s the thing: resealing won’t fix deeper damage. If the boards are severely cracked or warped, you probably need to replace some sections before you seal them. It’s better to replace a couple of damaged timber decking boards to make sure your deck is safe and secure before adding a fresh coat of sealant than to wish you had when it comes time to use it!
It’s easy to forget when you last sealed your deck, but keeping track of this can help you figure out when it’s due. If it’s been a couple of years since your last reseal, it’s probably time to refresh the finish, especially after the winter we’ve just had. The easiest way to check? Pour a little water on your decking. If the water absorbs quickly, your sealant is worn out, and it’s time to reseal.
If your deck is still protected, the water beads will be up on the surface. If that’s the case, you might not need to reseal it just yet. Remember, you want to seal your deck on a regular schedule to protect it from the elements, but doing so at the wrong time, such as when it’s too cold or wet, could cause more harm than good. A regular sealing schedule doesn’t mean resealing every year either. Generally, sealants can last a few years, but it all depends on your decking and the weather, so just keep an eye on it.
Spring is a great time to reseal your decking – but as we’ve just touched on above, it’s all about the weather! Temperatures are rising, and the days are getting longer, but you still need to wait for a dry spell before you get started. You want to wait for a period of dry, mild weather (ideally 24-48 hours without rain) and mild temperatures (around 10-25°C), and you want to make sure your decking is fully dry before you even attempt to seal it. If you seal too early in the season, especially if there’s still lingering dampness, your sealant won’t adhere properly, and it may end up causing more damage than protection.
Once you’ve resealed, your deck will be protected and ready for those warmer, sunny days ahead. And if you need any advice or supplies for your decking project, that’s where we come in at Savoy Timber! Whether you need a few replacement timber decking boards, a new decking kit, fixing and accessories or even a free sample or two, get in touch with our team!
We’re always here to help so feel free to stop by one of our stores in Blackpool, Bradford, Wigan, or Preston. Or if you’re not local, you could always just give our expert a team call at 0345 0268 799 for some friendly, helpful advice over the phone!
