Deck Washing, Stripping, Sanding, Sealing, Staining, Restoration, Repairs & Replacement in MD, VA
Your deck needs protection and that means washing and sealing on a regular basis. Notably, trouble begins the day you finish building a deck. In fact, the treatment given to about 80% of the pressure treated wood used to build decks, is to help prevent against rot and termites. In fact, pressure treating wood offers no protection from weathering, making the wood more porous and susceptible to moisture damage.
As a consequence, regular washing and sealing is important for the life of your deck. Moreover, cleaning removes mildew and algae growth, and a wood sealer moisturizes the wood helping it to retain it’s natural oils. With this in mind, be aware that some companies use just water and high pressure to wash with which raises the grain of the wood, causing future problems.
After cleaning your deck, our crew will return on another day when the wood is properly dry. Next, we’ll take care to properly mask your property, using plastic and tarps to protect the surroundings in your yard. Finally, they’ll perform the prep work and apply the sealer or stain you’ve selected. Typically, your deck can take a rain within an hour of being sealed. However, you should not walk on your deck for twenty four hours.
Deck Repair Work
Due to aging, your deck aging it may eventually need repair work or wood replacement. For this reason periodic cleaning and sealing will help to lengthen the life of the wood, but it will still age. Eventually, repairs such as tightening your deck’s rails, replacing floor boards or broken steps may become necessary. Of course, upgrading your deck giving it a fresh new look is also possible. By offering a full range of deck services, we’re equipped to care for your deck for years to come. We’ll be glad to discuss with you the correct and incorrect methods of properly cleaning and sealing your exterior wood.
Commonly Use Species of Wood
Today, the most popular building material is pressure treated lumber. As a consequence, all decks should be kept clean and free of UV graying, mildew and algae growth. That being the case, pressure washing using high volume and low pressure with gentle cleaners is best, and should be done on a regular basis depending on the wood species and finish.
Redwood decks and cedar decks need protection too, since much of the wood used in construction today is from younger, second growth trees which have a higher sapwood content and are less resistant to rot and decay. For the best results, mill glaze should always be removed from new wood. Incidentally, we also have experience with the more exotic woods such as Ipe, Teak, Balau, Pau Lope, Cambara, Mahogany.
About Wood Moisture Content and Deck Sealing
In order to seal the deck after cleaning, the wood needs to have about 12% to 19% wood moisture content, depending on the sealer that is being applied. Using a moisture meter helps to ensure the conditions are right for sealing your deck or other wooden surfaces.
Weather and your Deck
Because rain, morning dew, and even melting snow are quickly absorbed by the wood, it causes swelling and softening. Under these circumstances, the sun’s heat causes drying and shrinking. Consequently, these cycles of wet and dry, swelling and shrinking, cause wood to undergo warping, splitting, cracking, and checking.
Eventually, this leads to a shorter life span, meaning deck repairs, or replacement. Therefore, sealing a deck is important once it has been washed. Pressure washing your home’s brick or siding is equally important, as are other wooden items such as fences, furniture, gazebos, and playground equipment.
Our Service Areas
Serving: Maryland and Northern Virginia. Our service areas for Maryland are: Montgomery County, Frederick County, Howard County, Carroll County.
Cities in Maryland include: Potomac, Chevy Chase, Tacoma Park, Olney, Rockville, Bethesda, Kensington, Columbia, Clarksville, Silver Spring, Laytonsville, Mount Airy, New Market, Ijamsville, Gaithersburg, Montgomery Village, Germantown, Darnestown, Poolesville, Frederick, Urbana, Clarksburg, Barnesville, Brookville, Burtonsville, Cabin John, Damascus, Derwood, Kentlands, New Market, Sandy Spring, and Boyds.
Our service areas for Virginia are: Loudon County, Arlington County, Fairfax County, Ashburn, Leesburg, Alexandria, Herndon, McLean, Annandale, Arlington, Chantilly, Falls Church, Glen Echo, Great Falls, Oakton, Sterling, and Vienna. Contact our office today.