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Deck cleaning can be a very tedious task for a homeowner. A vast knowledge of equipment, chemicals, and methods are necessary to avoid damaging a wooden deck. Most of the decks in Indiana are made of pressure treated lumber or cedar lumber. There are other types of wood decks but these are the most common. The deck cleaning methods are basically the same for both of these types of wood. Low pressure is recommend, low being less pounds per square inch (PSI) than what a typical pressure washer will put out. No more than 1000 PSI is needed to clean wood decks in Indiana. Much more pressure than this can scar and damage the wood permanently. Wood is really pretty soft and can be easily damaged. Indiana deck cleaning contractors rely on the proper chemicals and cleaners to do most of the work. With the proper deck cleaners, low pressure is more than adequate to completely clean the wood. Removing all the dirt, grime, mildew, and any remaining old failing sealer is essential in wood deck restoration. After the cleaning process, a pH balancing step is necessary. This is normally referred to as wood brightening or neutralizing. The cleaners used are caustic and will leave the wood with a high pH level and will leave it dark in appearance. The brightening process will neutralize the caustic cleaners and will make the wood more acidic brightening it in the process. The acidic state will allow the new sealer to adhere to the wood more effectively. Allow the deck to dry for two days before sealing it with a quality deck sealer. Indiana deck cleaning is normally done from April clear through October.
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