Your Deck Survived Another Illinois Winter — Now What?
If you live in Northbrook or the surrounding North Shore suburbs, you already know what winter does to outdoor spaces.
Snow piles up. Ice sits for weeks. Temperatures swing from freezing to thawing and back again. By the time spring arrives, your deck doesn’t look quite the same.
Maybe the stain is faded.
Maybe boards feel rough under your feet.
Maybe there are dark mildew stains that weren’t there last fall.
That’s not just cosmetic — that’s your deck asking for attention.
Why Decks in the Chicago Suburbs Take a Beating
In areas like Northbrook, Glenview, Deerfield, and Highland Park, decks face some of the harshest seasonal changes in the country.
Moisture seeps into the wood.
Freezing temperatures expand it.
UV rays dry it out in summer.
That cycle slowly breaks down stain, raises wood grain, and weakens protection.
Ignoring it for too long can turn a simple restoration into a much more expensive board replacement project.
What Professional Deck Restoration Actually Does
Many homeowners think deck restoration just means “pressure washing and restaining.” In reality, it’s much more detailed than that.
At Northbrook Clean Team, our restoration process focuses on protecting your investment:
Controlled cleaning that removes mildew and old failing stain without damaging wood fibers
Surface prep to ensure new stain penetrates properly
Application of high-quality stain that protects against UV and moisture
Attention to railings, edges, and high-traffic areas
Done properly, restoration doesn’t just improve appearance — it extends the life of your deck.
The Difference Between DIY and Professional Work
We’ve seen it many times across the North Shore suburbs:
Pressure washing too aggressively and permanently damaging wood
Stain applied without proper prep, leading to peeling within a year
Uneven color and lap marks
Wood is more delicate than it looks. The goal isn’t to blast it clean — it’s to restore it safely.
When Is the Right Time?
Spring and early summer are ideal in Northbrook and nearby suburbs. Temperatures are moderate, humidity is manageable, and your deck will be protected before peak summer use.
If your deck looks faded, patchy, or gray, it’s usually time.
Thinking About Restoring Your Deck?
Whether you’re preparing for summer gatherings or just want your backyard to feel finished again, deck restoration is one of the highest-impact improvements you can make.
Northbrook Clean Team proudly serves Northbrook and surrounding suburbs with professional deck cleaning and restoration services.
If your deck doesn’t look the way it should, now is the perfect time to bring it back to life.