Teak and Salt ?

[IdoraKeeper]

We are now coming into fall in the PNW and things are never quite dry. I have spent a fair amount of time already scrubbing green stuff off Idora's deck. It's a good tight teak deck. She doesn't leak (knock on wood). Has anyone tried salting down the deck to retard the growth of green stuff? I am not sure if it will help or not.

Todd

[GordMay]

Originally Posted by IdoraKeeper

Has anyone tried salting down the deck to retard the growth of green stuff?

Yes, wash your teak decks with salt water - daily if possible.
Teak expands when wet and shrinks when dry. If you allow it to dry, the caulking between the planks has to expand as the teak dries, putting the mating surfaces in tension. If they are well adhered, the rubber will stretch but any weak points will pull away opening up a fresh leak.
Salt water is best because as it dries it leaves a fine salt deposit, which will absorb moisture out of the air, especially at night, and help keep the wood from drying out.
It also reduces mildew and algae growth.
If you aren't in salt water, fresh water is better than none.

[capt_douglas]

Make sure you're wearing insulated boots when you slosh the salt water onto the decks. BTDT