Why You Will Want To Reseal Your Deck Before August of 2025
Did you know that the humidity and UV rays in late summer can severely damage your deck? August may be a time to relax, but the extreme moisture, sunlight, and heat are damaging. Not to mention the ‘relaxing’ is bound to make your deck look too rough to use right.
Sealing your deck should be completed before August to enjoy for years to come; this isn’t just a smart move, it’s essential. We will examine what is new with deck sealing technology in 2025, when timing is crucial, and how to do it properly whether DIY-ing it or hiring someone.
Who This Matters For
Any property manager, Do-It-Yourselfer planning for summer, or even a homeowner with a wood and composite deck needs to give this guide a read.
What you need to know about summer damage: The real effects of timing matter
The period surrounding the late summers pours extreme intervals of afternoon thunderstorms, UV rays, and humidity. If any wood is left unsealed, especially after 2 months, it becomes extremely vulnerable when combined with intense sunlight.
Here’s what occurs:
UV reduces moisture content in the wood and whitens it.
Rain seeps through small fissures resulting in swelling and warping.
The capillary action of heat and moisture encourage mildew and algae proliferation.
Nowhere is it written that your deck still stands? A simple act of sprinking water on It would do. If It is sopped in with no delay, then It needs protection.
Let’s put it the other way by calling it the Top 5 Risks of Skipping Deck Resealing This Summer.
Let’s describe if you postpone resealing what risks your deck will face:
Heat Causes Cracking and Warping
Unsealed planks dry inconsistently resulting in cracks and distortion.
Mildew and Mold Buildup Following Rains
Moisture seeps into pores, creating the perfect breeding ground for mold.
Lack of visual appeal with faded colors
Your deck’s rich hues will fade, turning into dull uneven splotches.
Roughened and splintering surfaces
Absence of sealant to smoothen the fibers, the surface becomes particularly dangerous for bare feet.
Weakened structure long-term
Rotting occurring underneath the deck compromises supports structually and damages them greatly monetarily.
When asked How Often Should You Reseal a Deck in 2025.
Most regions a deck needs resealing is every 12-18 months. But this varies with foot traffic, type of material and exposure.
This is a checklist that answers what questions you have in mind:
| Test | Result to Watch For |
|---|---|
| Water Bead Test | Water soaks in? Time to seal! |
| Color Fading | Graying or discoloration |
| Surface Texture | Feels rough or splinters? |
| Moss or Algae | Visible green patches? |
What’s New in 2025: Sealants and their Modern Eco-friendly Alternatives
Sealants today are miles ahead of the glue-like products of the past. Below is a list of the advancements that have been made in 2025:
– Water-based sealants— Easiest to use, fastest drying, and quietest scent. Also safe for children and animals.
– UV Protecting Sealants– Works on decks, prevents wood rotting due to Sun’s rays.
– Eco-friendly brands— Popular brands are now offering biodegradable options.
| Brand | Base Type | UV Protection | Eco Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seal-Once | Water-based | High | ★★★★★ |
| Defy Extreme | Water-based | Very High | ★★★★☆ |
| Thompson’s | Oil-based | Moderate | ★★☆☆☆ |
Looking for something with a minimal carbon footprint? Go with Seal-Once Nano+Poly — it’s gaining popularity among green builders.
How To Reseal Your Deck: Step by Step
Step 1: Clean and Prepare
For surface prep, use either deck cleaner or oxygen bleach to take off the dirt, mildew, and residual sealant.
Step 2: Pick the Proper Sealant
Make sure to account for wood type, climate, and deck traffic. If the deck is lighter, it will need more UV protection.
Step 3: Apply using a Brush, Roller, or Sprayer
Use the brush to apply sealant to a few square foot sections, working with the speed of the grain for optimal absorption.
Step 4: Wait For Proper Drying Times
The deck must go without foot traffic until full cure; minimum drying time is scheduled for 24-48 hours.
Quick tip: Make sure you don’t seal before rain or when the sun is shining.
Do you think sealing is best done professionally or DIY? What works best for you
Using a professional saves time, mitigating the risk of uneven application which is vital for large or multi level decks, but comes with increased expense. If time isn’t too tight, sealing can be done in a weekend and is far cheaper.
| Option | Cost (per 100 sq. ft.) | Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| DIY | $50–$120 | 1–2 days | Budget-savvy homeowners |
| Professional | $200–$400 | 4–6 hours | Busy schedules, big decks |
So, what’s your preference? Would you trade money for time or time for savings?
Most Common Errors When Resealing a Deck
Your deck’s life span can be significantly extended if you do not make these very basic errors:
Applying sealant on a wet deck – needs 48 hours post rainfall.
Skipping the post cleaning phase – dirt reduces adhesion.
Too thick a coating – leads to blotchiness and peeling.
Using expired sealants – always check the date.
Ignoring the sidelining and railings – they need love too.
Updates in Deck Maintenance News For 2025
New oil based sealants are being restricted due to new VOC regulations in some states.
Moisture sensors and solar powered deck fans are emerging into the market.
Reported 35 percent increase in eco-sealant sales this spring by Lowe’s and Home Depot.
Technology Tip: A deck health monitor – measures temperature, moisture, as well as alerts on resealing.
Debunking The Resealing Myths
One single coat works for all of them.
Most decks require one or two thin layers, not a single thick one.
Decks should only be sealed every 5 years but recommending every 12-18 months in this case.
Any sealant works perfectly fine.
This is incorrect. Inexpensive sealants could easily cut costs now but lead to damaging repairs down the line.
Would you admit to falling for any of these myths?
Budgeting Your Deck Reseal: Cost for the Year 2025
This is what I expect you will spend this year:
| Item | DIY Cost | Pro Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Sealant (1 gal = 250 sq. ft) | $40–$70 | Included |
| Supplies (rollers, tape) | $20–$40 | Included |
| Cleaning materials | $30–$60 | Included |
| Labor | Free 💪 | $150–$300 |
Total for 200 sq. ft.: DIY ~$150 | Pro ~$500
Let’s summarize the subheading “Why August Is Too Late””
Recap Decks get abused towards the end of summer – sealing them at the beginning of summer saves quite a lot of problems.
Modern sealants protect and eco conscious options exist. Sealing a deck yourself saves a lot of money, but hiring professionals may yield a better result in a shorter amount of time.
There’s always one critical factor – August might be a little too late.
What Do You Think? Share Your Experience
Have you ever sealed your deck? Did you ever take too long to seal your deck and ended up regretting it?
Leave your answer down in the comment section or feel free to let us know what sealant you used that worked great for you! And if this article helped you in any way, we encourage you to share it with a neighbor that has an old looking deck.
