News Releases

Date: 04/01/06

Media Contact: Kim Drew, APR 770.985.8001

Your Backyard Deck: Clean, Safe and Fun!
(Atlanta, GA) - With the weather warming up and the end of school in sight, it's time to take a long, hard look at your deck. Keeping your deck clean and safe only takes a short amount of time, but it can prevent a multitude of challenges down the road.

Keep it Clean. No matter what construction material you choose, if your deck stays wet, mold can form on the surface. To keep mold, mildew and stains from ruining your next BBQ, keep decaying matter such as leaves and dirt off your deck.

The great majority of decks in the Southeast are constructed of pressure-treated Southern Pine, and with good reason: pressure-treated Southern Pine lumber is stronger, more durable and adds true natural beauty to any home. The folks at the Southern Pine Awareness Network offer these tips for keeping your wood deck clean: "Don't buy into the hype that real wood is harder to maintain than composites or other options. It's just not true. While no building product on the market is completely maintenance-free, Southern Pine decking comes close: we recommend cleaning your deck once a year to wash away excess dirt and applying a water-repellant sealant every couple of years. That's it. How easy is that?"

"Check your Deck." Checking a deck for safety issues probably isn't something homeowners think about, and the North American Deck and Railing Association (NADRA) is trying to change that. This May is the first-ever Deck Safety Month. Homeowners are encouraged to hire a qualified professional to inspect their decks' building material, fasteners and guardrails to determine the integrity and safety of their deck. "Regular inspection and maintenance of decks is equally as important as scheduled car maintenance," says a NADRA spokesperson.

For more information on Deck Safety Month, please visit www.nadra.org

For more information on pressure-treated Southern Pine, photos and DIY project ideas, please visit www.spanpine.com.

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