Our wood decks have turned grey, some to black, and some of the wood is cracking. what should we do?

First off, the graying of the wood is a natural process as the wood ages. You can have the deck pressure cleaned using a commercial deck cleaner to remove the graying from the top layer of the wood. The blackened areas are usually a combination of mildew and decayed wood that many times can also be removed with pressure cleaning. In some cases, individual deck boards may need to be replaced.

If your deck has not been treated with a sealer or finish, the wood will absorb the moisture and this coupled with expansion and contraction due to temperature changes causes cracking. All wood decks should be treated with a water repellent sealer or finish in order to protect the surface and extend the life of the material. A pigmented sealer or finish will last longer than a clear sealer or finish. For help deciding the finish best suited for your deck, contact a RedRock Finishes team member.