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Cleaning
Care and maintenance of decks
Protective wood oils penetrate deep into the timber, and under the influence of heat and moisture can adversely af-
Paints are decorative coatings which, when applied to a wooden deck, dry to form a continuous film over the caulking
9.2. Maintenance
boats bottom very effectively with a high pressure cleaner. Different cleaning and caring agents are available for the
speeds up corrosion. Whenever possible the boat should be rinsed with fresh water.
Do only utilise biodegradable detergents. Do not use abrasive cleaning agents they scratch and bleech the surfaces.
is suitable for your piece of equipment.
The antifouling should be refreshed periodically. This prevents marine growth to settle on your boat. The immersed
part of your boat should be washed down using a high pressure equipment.
or coatings is sometimes necessary.
Care products:
fect the adhesion of the caulking material to the sides of the wooden joint.
Clean and rinse the boat possibly just after you take out of the water. You may remove marine growth from your
open up along the joints.
maintenance of the boats surfaces. For boats navigating in sea water: Salt attracts water from the environment, this
Clean heavy soilings with fresh water and care products. To clean off stains of lime (dried out water), use vinegar.
The high-pressure water jet will remove areas of sapwood and break the seal between the caulking material and
Upholstery is best cleaned using conventional carpet and upholstery cleaner. Check at a hidden place if that cleaner
Stick to these simple rules and you will lengthen the life of your deck considerably.
Untreated wood weathers to a natural silver-grey colour, with no loss of the timber's strength or other mechanical/
physical properties. Because of its inherent durability and weather-resistant properties, the use of protective paints
material as well. Some paints may not harden properly on caulking material, leaving the surface tacky. In time most
paints will flake away along the line of the joint. This spoils the appearance of the wooden deck and causes cracks to
Teak cleaners should be used only if they contain no other active ingredients than normal soap. Additives such as
phosphoric or oxalic acid, which are often incorporated as brighteners, are corrosive substances which attack both the
caulking material and the timber, causing them to age rapidly.We therefore recommend that wooden decks be washed
down with a mop and clean fresh water, to which a small quantity of normal soap may be added if desired.
the sides of the joint. In extended periods of hot, dry weather wooden decks should be watered at regular intervals
to prevent the timber from drying out completely. Excessive loss of moisture will cause the timber to shrink, placing
the joints under stress. Under unfavourable conditions this can lead to premature ageing or failure of the joint seal.
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Maintenance
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