by Valley Redwood | Redwood Stain
Now that you have spent time, energy, and money on your new redwood deck, the next step to consider is maintenance. Proper care and maintenance can extend the life of your deck and help keep its natural beauty. Several factors can contribute to the wood looking dull, grey, and weathered. Years of sun, rain, and extreme temperatures can make your deck look older than it is. Simple measures can alleviate the affects of these factors.
The first thing you should consider is a proper stain/sealer when the deck is new. This will give the deck the best start it can have and will make the maintenance in the future even easier. There are many sealer and stains available, so make sure you select one that is formulated for redwood. Many tints are available depending on personnel choice and the desired look. Because it is an open-celled structure and it contains little or no pitch or resins, redwood accepts and holds a variety of finishes from clear stain to solid color paints. To achieve a lasting redwood color, use a water-repellent, oil-based deck stain.
When it comes time to clean your deck, a few simple steps should be taken to assure long lasting beauty. Depending on how long it has been since your deck was cleaned, you may have to apply a cleaner, scrub with a stiff brush, and rinse with water, or you can lightly clean with a pressure washer. If you are pressure washing, be cautious and use a wide fan spray and not a concentrated jet spray as this can carve grooves in your deck. Consider lightly sanding the railings before sealing to keep a nice smooth surface your hands will thank you for.
After you have thoroughly cleaned your redwood, make sure it is dry. Sometimes it might take a few days to completely dry. Once dry, you are ready for sealer. Sealers can be applied with a brush, roller, or spray. You will have better coverage with a brush or roller as some of the spray will simply get lost in the air.
Before you start your cleaning and sealing process, give us a call and we can recommend which method will be the best for your deck and we will help you choose the right stain or sealer. Done right, you will only have to do this every 2 or 3 years. Valley Redwood is happy to help you keep all your redwood decks, gazebos, and furniture looking great for many years.
by Valley Redwood | Redwood
When you have decided that it is time to rebuild your deck and have made the smart choice to use redwood, you have to decide to simply redo the existing design or change it up.
Recently a local client was in that exact position. Their deck was very old and rotting. It was at the same level as the house with and old fashioned louvered plastic roof and railings all around. Initially they were going to duplicate the style minus the plastic roof. Their contractor suggested re-thinking their plans and consider lowering the deck to the level of the back yard thus eliminating the need for railings and choosing to leave the space open without a roof. This plan would also expand the entire look of the back yard and make it seem much larger.
Lowering the deck required the ledger board be moved to the new level and steps from the house be built leading to the deck surface. Once they decided that was the right move for them, the project was on. The demo was completed and the materials list was completed. Pressure treated substructure and beautiful redwood decking was ordered. The client also opted for having hidden screws for the decking.
Once completed, the homeowners we so excited about their new deck and how much it opened up the entire backyard. They could now simply step off the deck to the yard and pathways from any point on the deck. They claimed “our backyard looks way bigger”.
Valley Redwood has the right materials, expertise, and design knowledge to assist you with your redwood deck project. Give us a call or stop by and let us partner with you from the design phase to completion. We look forward to helping you make the vision you have for your deck come to life.
by Valley Redwood | summer heat
With summer in full swing, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks associated with prolonged exposure to the sun. One such risk is sunstroke, a severe heat-related illness that can have serious consequences. By taking a few precautionary measures, you can enjoy the sun while keeping yourself safe and healthy.
Understanding Sunstroke
Sunstroke, also known as heatstroke, occurs when your body overheats due to prolonged exposure to high temperatures or direct sunlight. It is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention. The symptoms of sunstroke include a rapid pulse, high body temperature, headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, and even loss of consciousness. Certain individuals, such as the elderly, young children, and those with chronic illnesses, are particularly vulnerable to sunstroke.
Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated is essential to prevent sunstroke. Drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Avoid alcoholic and caffeinated beverages as they can contribute to dehydration. If you’re engaging in outdoor activities, carry a reusable water bottle and sip water regularly. Adding electrolyte-rich drinks or sports drinks can help replenish essential minerals lost through sweating.
Seek Shade and Limit Sun Exposure
To reduce the risk of sunstroke, it’s crucial to seek shade during the hottest hours of the day, typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If you must be outdoors during this time, wear a wide-brimmed hat, lightweight and loose-fitting clothing, and apply sunscreen with a high sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or above. Additionally, consider using an umbrella or a sunshade to create a shaded area.
Take Regular Breaks and Cool Down
When spending prolonged periods outside, take regular breaks in a cool and shaded area. This will allow your body to rest and regulate its temperature. You can also use cooling techniques such as wetting a towel with cool water and placing it on your neck or wrists. If possible, seek air-conditioned environments or use fans to keep cool indoors.
Conclusion
Preventing sunstroke requires diligence and awareness of your body’s needs during hot weather. By staying hydrated, seeking shade, limiting sun exposure, and taking regular breaks to cool down, you can minimize the risk of sunstroke and enjoy the summer safely. Remember, your health and well-being should always be a top priority when basking in the sun’s rays.
by Valley Redwood | deck maintenance, Redwood Stain
Now that you have spent time, energy, and money on your new redwood deck, the next step to consider is maintenance. Proper care and maintenance can extend the life of your deck and help keep its natural beauty. Several factors can contribute to the wood looking dull, grey, and weathered. Years of sun, rain, and extreme temperatures can make your deck look older than it is. Simple measures can alleviate the affects of these factors.
The first thing you should consider is a proper stain/sealer when the deck is new. This will give the deck the best start it can have and will make the maintenance in the future even easier. There are many sealer and stains available, so make sure you select one that is formulated for redwood. Many tints are available depending on personnel choice and the desired look. Because it is an open-celled structure and it contains little or no pitch or resins, redwood accepts and holds a variety of finishes from clear stain to solid color paints. To achieve a lasting redwood color, use a water-repellent, oil-based deck stain.
When it comes time to clean your deck, a few simple steps should be taken to assure long lasting beauty. Depending on how long it has been since your deck was cleaned, you may have to apply a cleaner, scrub with a stiff brush, and rinse with water, or you can lightly clean with a pressure washer. If you are pressure washing, be cautious and use a wide fan spray and not a concentrated jet spray as this can carve grooves in your deck. Consider lightly sanding the railings before sealing to keep a nice smooth surface your hands will thank you for.
After you have thoroughly cleaned your redwood, make sure it is dry. Sometimes it might take a few days to completely dry. Once dry, you are ready for sealer. Sealers can be applied with a brush, roller, or spray. You will have better coverage with a brush or roller as some of the spray will simply get lost in the air.
Before you start your cleaning and sealing process, give us a call and we can recommend which method will be the best for your deck and we will help you choose the right stain or sealer. Done right, you will only have to do this every 2 or 3 years. Valley Redwood is happy to help you keep all your redwood decks, gazebos, and furniture looking great for many years.
Image by mrsiraphol
by Valley Redwood | deck maintenance, Paver Sealers
The Sacramento area has extremes in weather from hot dry summers to cold and wet winters. Be sure your concrete surfaces, paver decks and, landscape masonry is protected from the elements with quality products from Glaze ‘N Seal. They have been supplying quality products to homeowners and contractors since 1962. Valley Redwood has the proper sealers for the right surface.
Also remember to protect your wood surfaces as well. We offer a full line of of stains and sealers designed to look beautiful and protect the surface for many years. Valley Redwood features quality products from Penofin. With years of experience, you will feel confident about the products you are applying.
