A nice patio or deck can be the thing that seals the deal for people looking for a single-family rental house in Orlando. A rental home with an outdoor gathering space can bring its value up. But this is only true if the patio or deck is in good condition. Splintered wood, stained concrete, and dirty vinyl planks not only discourage tenants but also become potential hazards. To avoid this, you must do regular maintenance on your rental property’s deck or patio, as well as keep up the condition of any fixtures.
As any person with a lot of experience in maintenance would say, wooden decks need the most upkeep. Maintaining a wood deck does not have to cost a lot, but you have to clean them with standard deck cleaner each spring to take away the dirt and debris that might have accumulated. The next step is to have the deck 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.
Even if you carefully maintain your deck, the years of use would require you to stain or repaint it to keep it in good shape. This process takes the longest, a given for wooden decks, 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. It is a wise choice to use high-quality paint designed for outdoor use. Before staining the deck you have to prep the wood before applying 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 Orlando property has a patio instead of a deck, you might be thinking that there is no need for maintenance. But this isn’t so. Regular sweeping helps but it has its limits since concrete and stone patios can still become dirty and stained. That’s why there is a need to thoroughly clean the patio at least once or twice a year. Concrete can be hosed off, and pressure washed or scrubbed with a bristle brush. For stubborn stains, a degreaser can be used. But for natural stone pavers, you must clean carefully since it could damage the surface. It is also a good idea to seal both concrete and stone to keep the dirt and stains away so it makes cleaning easier.
Finally, no deck or patio is perfect without outdoor furniture. Your outdoor décor or furniture needs to be regularly cleaned and maintained too. The use of mild dishwashing liquid mixed with water and a soft-bristle brush is perfect for cleaning outdoor furniture. When not in use, cover items and store them indoors. Maintaining wooden furniture and wooden decks is similar. Clean, seal, or repaint every year. For fabric cushions or pillows, air-dry them to prevent mildew after cleaning the surface with a mild soap solution.
By following these simple maintenance tasks, your rental property’s deck or patio can become the outdoor oasis every renter wants.
Are there other maintenance issues you want to discuss? An Orlando property manager at Real Property Management South Orlando would be very happy to serve you. You can contact us online or call us at 407-982-2000 for more information.
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