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My Deck Sealer Is Peeling

When you take the time to apply deck sealer, you may reasonably expect it will last two to three years. However, this isn't always the case. Some deck sealers begin to peel within the first year they are applied.
  1. Cause

    • Deck peeling commonly occurs with a film-forming sealer. These sealers are similar to paint in that they soak only partly into the wood, with a portion of the product remaining on top of the wood. Exposure to the sun, rain and snow can also lead to peeling.

    Correction

    • The only way to correct peeling deck sealer is to remove it. Use a chemical stripper to remove the sealer and neutralize the wood with an equal mix of white vinegar and water. Once the wood is neutralized, clean the deck with oxygenated bleach.

    Prevention

    • To avoid the problem of peeling deck sealer in the future, choose a deep penetrating sealer. These penetrate deep into the wood to protect it instead of only partly penetrating the wood.