Q. Does my deck really need to be
sealed and preserved, even if it’s made of pressure-treated lumber that’s not
supposed to rot?
A. Any wood left exposed to the outdoor elements will cup,
crack and warp if it is not protected from water penetration. Pressure-treated
lumber is treated to prevent rot and decay but a quality wood preservative
will prevent excessive water penetration and stop the changes in moisture
content that
can cause so much extra damage.
Q. My deck has a gray color to it,
can that be removed?
A. It’s degraded wood fibers on the surface of the deck that cause that
unsightly gray color. We use special cleaners to remove those fibers and also
take away mildew and other dirt to really brighten up your deck and bring back
its natural, new-looking color.
Q. Can the old stain or sealer be
removed from the deck?
A. Old finishes will interfere with penetration so it is very important
to remove any old sealer or stain before applying a new penetrating sealer.
Q. Should I wait a year before
sealing?
A. A lot of homeowners are given bad advice to “wait a year for the
wood to dry out” before sealing. But during that first year a lot of damage
can occur, which is sometimes irreversible. Wood is often fully dried out
within 6-8 weeks so we use an electronic moisture meter to ensure that the
deck is ready to be sealed, and is therefore protected from the very start.
That protection will help your deck last for many years to come.
Q. Will the cleaning agents you use
damage the grass or the bushes?
A. No, the specially designed cleaners we use are safe on your shrubs
and lawn.
Q. How long does it usually take to clean a deck?
A. Usually we will need one day for cleaning and one day for sealing -
with enough time in between for proper drying.
Q. Are you insured and licensed?
A. Yes, we are fully insured and licensed.
Q. Do you bring your own water?
A. We are able to haul some water to the job site but some jobs require
more water than we can haul. Please let us know in advance if water is a
concern.
