How to refresh and clean your home exterior

Key overview: How to refresh and clean your home exterior

• For deck cleaning, check for board damage or rot and replace if needed. Punch any protruding nails back in and clean the boards with deck cleaner. Add a coat of a quality deck stain or wood oil.
• Refresh your backyard fence with a new coat of paint.
• Clean garden trellis with a soft-bristled brush and mild detergent.
• Rake gravel to make it look even and pull out any weeds.
• Wash pavers and tiles with a water blaster or a stiff brush and a mild detergent. Apply a rust or mineral deposit remover to clean up stains.
• Repair damaged tiles and pavers with a tile repair kit.
• Freshen up concrete with a water blaster and fix non-structural cracks with concrete crack filler.

New Zealand’s wet climate and strong levels of UV radiation can be harsh on outdoor surfaces. With a few quick fixes and regular upkeep, your porch, deck or balcony can be brought back to life and stay looking fresh through barbecue season and beyond.

Tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves, ear muffs and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.

How to refresh your deck

• Check for damaged or rotting timber boards and replace them if necessary.
• Also look for protruding nails – these can be a hazard for bare feet and the enemy of sanders. These can be punched back in or swapped with decking screws, which securely grip the timber without popping back up.
• Give the boards a good scrub with a specialist deck-cleaning product before hosing off.
• Sanding is not usually necessary unless there’s significant weathering or flaking paint.
• New Zealand’s climate can be harsh on bare timber that’s been left to weather so it’s best to give it a coating. “Regular use of a quality deck stain or wood oil helps protect against UV damage and moisture, extending the life and appearance of your deck,” says Rob Farmer of Cabot’s. “Look out for greying timber, mould and algae growth, as these are early signs that sun and moisture are affecting your deck. Left untreated, they can lead to cracking, warping and timber movement.”

How to refresh your backyard fence

A paint job can work wonders on a shabby fence. Match the shade to your roof or trims for a clean, coordinated look.

How to refresh garden trellis

Clean grime gently with a soft-bristled brush and mild detergent. Consider nourishing it with a timber oil or stain.

How to tidy up stones and gravel

Tidy up the edges of pebbled areas, pulling up any weeds – a herbicide spray can be useful. Rake gravel to even out bald patches in high-traffic areas.

 

How to refresh pavers and tiles

Outdoor tiles and pavers may take a beating but they’re tough as anything and respond beautifully to a little care, try these tips:

• To see what you’re working with, get beneath the grime – a wash with a water blaster will reveal the true state of your pavers.
• If they’re very grubby, scrub with a stiff brush and a mild detergent or specialised outdoor cleaner for treating moss and mould.
• Tackle serious stains from rust or mineral deposits with a solution such as CLR Calcium, Limescale and Rust Remover.

Repairing damaged tiles and pavers will require a little more work. “Tile repair kits are great for fixing small chips and cracks without having to replace the whole tile,” says structural landscaper Craig Jones of Mr Jones Landscaping and Pools (mrjones.net.nz). “Clean the area, apply the filler and smooth it off. Once it’s dry, you can lightly sand it to blend in with the existing tile.” If it’s a bigger crack it’s better to replace it. “Leaving it can allow water to get underneath and cause more damage. It can also become a trip hazard, especially around pool areas,” says Craig.

How to clean and refresh concrete

Concrete will show its age over time but a few tricks can help it save face.

• Sort the stains. Nothing makes concrete look scrappy more than staining. Take care of mildew and mud with a water blaster, treat rust marks with a specialist rust-removal solution and use a grease and oil remover on oil stains.
• Fix the cracks. Non-structural cracks in a concrete slab are common, but can often be fixed. “Give the crack a good clean, remove any loose bits and apply a concrete crack filler,” says Craig. “I’d recommend Gripset Betta Concrete Crack Filler. It’s easy to use and helps stop water getting into the crack. If the crack keeps getting bigger, there could be something else going on underneath that needs looking at from a professional.”
• Consider painting. If you’re still not loving the look of your concrete, consider changing its looks with paint. White Knight Ultra Pave Quick Dry is designed for previously painted or bare, etched concrete and can also transform pavers (with the correct prep – follow the guidelines closely).

Keep in mind

• Wear a mask and gloves for serious cleaning tasks and store all cleaning products out of reach of children and pets.

Need more ideas to refresh your outdoor surfaces?

Check out our article on how to remove oil stains.

Photo credit: Sue Stubbs, James Moffatt.

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