We Montrealers wait all winter for summer to arrive. We love spending time outside, having BBQs, and relaxing on our decks and patios. But did you know that the hot summer sun can actually hurt your backyard?
Just like the sun can sunburn your skin, powerful ultraviolet (UV) rays can damage wood and stone. Over time, the heat can cause your beautiful deck to fade, crack, or split. In the Montreal real estate market, a gorgeous backyard adds a lot of value to your home. If you want to keep your property looking its best, you need to protect it.
Here are three simple ways to shield your outdoor space from the harsh summer sun.
1. Give Your Wood a “Sunscreen” Coat
If you have a wooden deck, it needs protection from moisture and light. Check your deck by spilling a few drops of water on it. If the water soaks right into the wood, your deck is unprotected.
Every two to three years, you should clean your deck and apply a high-quality sealant or stain. Think of stain as sunscreen for your house. Choosing a tint with a little bit of color actually blocks out UV rays much better than a completely clear coat.
2. Wash Away the Dirt Gently
Before you protect your deck, you have to clean it. Dirt, leaves, and pollen can trap heat and cause mold to grow under the hot sun.
Be careful not to use a pressure washer too close to the wood, as the strong water blast can tear the wood fibers. Instead, use a mild deck soap, a garden hose, and a stiff broom to scrub away the dirt. For stone patios, sweeping regularly prevents weeds from pushing through the cracks.
3. Create Smart Shade
You can protect your deck and patio blocks by physically blocking the sun during the hottest parts of the day.
- Add an outdoor rug: Putting a stylish rug over your main seating area protects the wood or stone directly underneath it from fading.
- Use umbrellas or awnings: Large umbrellas block the sun from baking your deck boards all afternoon.
- Move your planters: Don’t leave heavy plastic flower pots in the exact same spot all summer. The heat trapped underneath them can leave dark, permanent stains on your deck.
The Bottom Line: When buyers look at homes in Montreal during the spring and summer, the backyard is a major selling point. Spending a weekend on basic maintenance now saves you thousands of dollars in repairs later, and keeps your home equity high! If you ever want to know how much value a new deck or backyard renovation might add to your specific Montreal neighborhood, feel free to reach out. I am always happy to chat! Enjoy the beautiful weather, and happy home caring!