The forces of weathering can be devastating to wood.  Moisture from rain, snow, and dew are quickly absorbed by unprotected wood causing the wood to swell as well as washing out the natural wood resins and coloring, while the heat from the sun dries and shrinks the wood.  These daily cycles of swelling and shrinking causes the wood to warp, splinter, cup, crack, and fade.

This constant breakdown allows the sunlight (UV) rays to break down the cell structure within the wood and degrade the wood's durability.

These factors combine to physically and chemically attack the woods lining, (the chemical glue that holds wood fibers together).  Moisture serves as a natural habitat for mold, mildew, algae, and fungus causing black, green or gray discoloration on your deck.  Since decks are horizontal surfaces, they hold water snow and dew for longer periods of time, which accelerates damage.

Decks are subject to 40% - 50% more UV radiation from sunlight than comparable vertical surfaces. With proper deck maintenance, your deck can last up to 30 years.