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This
process of Wood neglect is even worse for decks.
Being horizontal surfaces, decks hold water and snow
for prolonged periods of time, accelerating the damage. The dampness attracts pollen and fungal spores which
collect and cause ugly discoloration. And, decks are subject to 40-50 percent more direct sunlight than
comparable vertical surfaces.
This results in unique thermal stresses to the wood. For example, on sunny summer days the
temperature on a deck board can vary as much as 50º
F between the sun-exposed top surface and the damp, shaded underside. In addition to all of this, decks are subject
to foot traffic, physical wear and tear, and ground-in dirt.
If the wood is not properly cleaned and
sealed with the right products, the wood will eventually begin to rot. The cost to replace wood is considerably
much higher than it is to maintain it properly.
Wash It Clean - Power Washing - Richmond Virginia has experience in restoring and sealing
wood is at the very highest level.
We guarantee 100% of our
work.
Because every job is different, we will assess the
condition of your wood, and ask the customer what kind of results they are looking for, and proceed with
suggestions. There are four ways to go about cleaning wood.
1) If the customer’s wood has paint/stain on it currently, the surface
is dirty and / or moldy and they are happy with the color and would like to keep the same finish, then we
will just give the surface a good maintenance cleaning. This is the least expensive procedure. It is very important to keep the
surface looking new by not allowing the mold to continue to grow, which will eventually deteriorate the
finish and the wood itself.
2) If the customer’s finish has deteriorated beyond the point of
the simple maintenance cleaning, then we will recommend stripping the old finish off with the right chemicals and
pressure, neutralize/brighten and finish with a minimum of two coats on the
floor.
3) If the customer’s finish is an extremely durable product such as Sikkens, and it has been
over 5 years since the last cleaning, and has begun to deteriorate, then we will recommend the same as above,
plus sanding the wood to ensure all of the old finish is off.
4) The most common wood is the typical neglected gray moldy kind, that has either no finish or a
very cheap clear coat such as Thompson’s that has not lasted more than 2 years. Only tinted sealers and
stains offer UV protection for your wood. Clear sealers offer no UV protection! We will then soak the wood
thoroughly with our safe mildewcide cleaner, pressure wash with light
pressure, neutralize/brighten, and seal with the predetermined finish of choice.
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