A nice patio or deck is very attractive for people looking for a single-family rental house in Lynnwood. Demand is high for a property with an outdoor gathering space. But this is only true if the patio or deck is in good condition. Things like splintered wood, stained concrete, and dirty vinyl planks are potential hazards and could discourage tenants. Therefore, one must give time for regular maintenance on your rental property’s deck or patio, as well as keep up the condition of any fixtures.
In the subject of maintenance, wooden decks require the most upkeep. Maintaining a wood deck doesn’t have to break your bank account, you just need to clean them with standard deck cleaner each spring to take away the dirt and debris that might have accumulated over time. Then, the deck should be sealed to protect it from the elements. This gives you peace of mind that your wooden deck would not only look great but is also more resistant to splintering, rot, and mold.
After years of use, even if you carefully maintain your deck, it would need to be stained or repainted to stay in good shape. This part of the maintenance of a wooden deck is perhaps the most time consuming but necessary to keep property values high. If your deck is repainted, remove the old paint first, then sand the wood planks, and finally repainted. Make sure to purchase high-quality paint designed for outdoor use. You cannot just stain a deck, as the wood needs to be prepped before you apply the new coat of stain. Both stained and painted wood should be coated with a sealant for maximum weather resistance.
The amount of care that wood decks require has made property owners look into vinyl planks. Vinyl decks need to be cleaned but it is far easier to manage. Because vinyl is already extremely durable and weather-resistant, most vinyl planks will need a good scrub with warm water and mild soap to stay looking like new.
If your Lynnwood property has a patio instead of a deck, you might be thinking that there is no maintenance needed. But this is false. While regular sweeping can help keep surface dirt away, concrete and stone patios can still become dirty and stained. That’s why thoroughly cleaning the patio at least once or twice a year is mandatory. Concrete can be hosed off, and pressure washed or scrubbed with a bristle brush. Use a degreaser for stubborn stains. But for natural stone pavers, you must clean carefully since it could damage the surface. Both concrete and stone must be sealed so cleaning it would be easier.
Lastly, no deck or patio is ever complete without outdoor furniture. If your property includes outdoor décor or furniture, these items need cleaning and maintenance too. Most outdoor furniture can be cleaned using mild dishwashing liquid mixed with water and a soft-bristle brush. Cover items and store them indoors if possible when they are not in use. Wooden furniture and wooden decks have similar maintenance procedures. Clean, seal, or repaint every year. Using mild soap solution, surface clean fabric cushions or pillows then air-dry them to prevent mildew.
By following these simple maintenance tasks, your rental property’s deck or patio can become the outdoor oasis every renter wants.
For more advice on the maintenance of your property, a Lynnwood property manager at Real Property Management Eclipse would be happy to help you. You can contact us online or call us at 425-209-0252 for more information.
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