One cleaning project that you should not attempt without the right equipment, chemicals, and methods is deck restoration. A lot of home owners attempt to clean and seal their own wooden decks only to wonder why the new sealer is fading, flaking, or peeling off within a year. Many people think just because they applied an expensive sealer claiming to last 5 years that they will have a great looking deck for at least 5 years, but this is usually not the case. You can ask any professional deck cleaning company how true this is. The number one reason a deck sealer fails is because the wood was not prepared properly. The right chemicals must be used to rid the wood of all dirt, mold, mildew, and any remnants of old deck sealer. The wood has to be completely clean to give the new deck sealer a chance to last. After using any type of deck cleaner, you must apply a deck brightener to neutralize the wood. This makes the wood more acidic and prepares it for new sealer. Most people will not go to this extent mainly because they lack the knowledge. Another wrong that most home owners will do when it comes to deck cleaning is to use too much water pressure when cleaning the wood with a pressure washer. It is not about the pressure as much as it is about the right cleaning agents. As a matter of fact, low pressure should be used so the wood is not furred and splintered. After using the right methods and wood cleaners and letting the wood dry for several days, a good quality deck sealer should be applied according to the directions on the sealer can. This will protect the wood from sun and water damage allowing it to last longer. Depending on the area you live, a deck sealer applied on a properly cleaned deck can last anywhere from 18 months to several years before needing maintenance again.
|