Deck Restorations, LLC. -FAQ's
Is deck maintenance necessary?
Most decks are made of pressure treated pine. Good quality treated pine will last forty years or more before there is any substantial decay. However, discoloration and splintering can begin after only a few months. For this reason, most people take on a regular cycle of maintenance. Failure to do so won't cause your deck to rot, but, your deck will most certainly become discolored and unappealing. The surface will become rough and prone to splinters.
Do new decks need to be sealed?
Yes. To ensure that the deck continues to look good with minimal splintering and discoloration, the deck should be sealed as soon as it becomes stabilized within its environment. This usually means waiting a few weeks after the deck is completely installed before sealing.
What will happen to a poorly maintained deck?
Many people never treat and seal their decks. Untreated decks don't fall down or rot away quickly. Nothing dramatic happens. They will simply get dirty and the surface will become rough and splintered. Splinters are a common problem with wood decks. Another hazard is slick surfaces. Much of the "dirt" we see on a poorly maintained deck are actually living organisms. Just like algae and moss that grow on rocks next to a stream, the organic material growing on a deck can make the surface extremely slippery when wet. Cleaning and sealing a deck kills, removes and slows the return of organic build-up, rough and unsightly surfaces.
What type of maintenance is recommended?
Approximately once a year, the deck should be checked for loose boards and protruding nails, thoroughly cleaned, and sealed. Cleaning involves the removal of dirt, algae, moss and other organic matter. Sealing or resealing is accomplished by applying a semi-clear liquid sealant to all exposed surfaces.
Many professional firms now offer this service, and prices and quality vary considerably. Typically, deck cleaning and sealing expenses run from $300-$800, with larger decks costing even more. Then at the other end of the scale, there are a lot of firms that don't know exactly what they are doing. Get your deck done right. Choose an experienced, high quality company with an affordable touch. Deck Restorations LLC.
What is Good Deck Maintenance?
Preparation
The process begins with clearing the deck all items, remove any debris and cover fragile plants. Next, repair any loose boards or nails that are popping up.
Cleaning Products
In accordance with the directions of the cleaning solution, it may be necessary to hose down the deck and surrounding area before applying cleaning solutions. The water can also help dilute any chemicals that may inadvertently get on plants or grass. Many solutions contain bleach, which is toxic the plants and grass when in concentrated form. The cleaning solutions can be brushed or sprayed onto the deck.
After waiting the required length of time, the deck is thoroughly cleaned with pressurized water to remove both dirt and chemicals. Proper care must be taken in order to prevent gouging the wood or exaggerating the grain.
Sealing
Once the deck is dry, protect plants and other items on which you don't want to get sealant. Sealants can be brushed on, rolled on, or sprayed on.
Sealants come in either water based or oil based formulas. Professional sealants, which are typically superior, are oil based. Some sealants contain stain to tint the color of the deck. Sealants with stain don't always deliver a uniform color across the wood.Good quality sealants contain ultraviolet sunlight protection to reduce the damaging effects of the sun, and include anti-mold properties.
Alternatives to Traditional Decking Material
There are new decking material options. Materials that don't splinter and don't require painting or sealing are made of plastic or a blend of wood and plastic. These offer large savings over time due to reduced maintenance costs.
DON'T REPLACE IT, RESTORE IT!
Deck Restorations LLC.
Phone: 910-269-7785
Fax: 910-754-5566
Email: awilband@atmc.net