Indiana Deck Cleaning Contractor

Deck Restoration Can Add Value

2010-01-05T14:55:00.000-08:00

With spring only a couple of months away, it is time to start thinking about having the deck cleaned and resealed this year. A premium deck restoration service can mean having a better more functional outdoor space for you and your family. Many homeowners realize the benefit of an outdoor deck or patio and know that it adds value to their home.

Despite homeowners knowing about the added value a wood deck can bring, many still neglect their decks and let them become an eyesore. This actually does the opposite and decreases the value of your home. When decks are not maintained properly, the elements will crack, split, warp, and splinter the wood and decrease the life of the deck.

Having your wood deck on a regular deck maintenance program is a great way to have a beautiful looking deck all the time that will give you years of enjoyment. If you already have a neglected deck it may not be too late. Calling and talking with a professional deck restoration contractor may shed some light on whether or not your old neglected deck can be brought back to life.

Some homeowners attempt to clean and seal their own decks. This is fine if they are experienced in the proper methods, equipment, chemicals, and deck sealers that need to be used to get professional results. Contractor grade chemicals, equipment, and methods will mean your deck restoration job will last longer and look better. There are many variables and different steps that need to be taken when restoring a deck so it is always best to at least talk with a professional deck restoration company before attempting it yourself.

What Most Homeowners Do Not Know About Deck Cleaning and Sealing

2009-08-12T17:16:00.000-07:00

Recently a homeowner was inclined to wash and seal his own deck over a weekend. He rented a pressure washer and bought some deck cleaner. His plan was to wash the deck on Saturday and then seal it on Sunday. He got up early on Saturday and started in on washing the deck. He was not aware of it at the time but there was remnants of an old deck sealer on the wood that the previous homeowners had applied. It was very faint as it had faded over the years but none the less it was still in the wood pours. The deck cleaner he had bought at a big box store was basically just soap and was not going to remove any old sealer. Pressure did not remove any either. But regardless the man went on.

He noticed some scarring and furring on the wood when he had finished but just figured the new deck stain would cover it up. It was proud of what had took him eight hours or so and a lot of hard work. He got up Sunday and prepared to seal the wood. This took him even longer than the washing even with his wife helping him. He finished it up Monday morning after giving up the night before. But now the deck was finished, cleaned and sealed what a beautiful sight it was. The man bragged about the job he had done and all the money he had saved doing it himself.

Needless to say he was dumbfounded when nine months later the new deck sealer started to peel and flake. Within a year the deck looked like a complete wreck, the deck sealer had completely failed. The man blamed it on the deck sealer and tried calling them and complaining, they told him that he did not prep the deck correctly so the sealer was not warrantied. You see, because the old deck stain was not removed and the deck was not washed with contractor grade cleaners it was not ready to receive new sealer. But when the man applied sealer anyway he was sealing the deck own doom without knowing it.

Deck sealer needs to penetrate into the wood, that is how it works, it is not like paint that forms a film and sits on top of the wood. But this is exactly what it did when he applied it over an old sealer. The old sealer kept the new sealer from being able to penetrate the wood. It is not meant to adhere to old sealer so it failed prematurely. Now the man had to have the deck completely stripped and rewashed to remove two layer of old sealer and it ended up costing him twice as much as it would have had he hired a professional to begin with. A lesson hard learned.

Deck Restoration Granger Indiana Services

2009-04-27T13:00:00.000-07:00

The restoration of wooden decks is a skilled service that is offered in Granger, Indiana and the surrounding area. A professional deck restoration Granger contractor can restore an old neglected deck to make it look new again. The proper equipment, chemicals, and methods are very necessary requirements to get dramatic results. These services are not as cheap as some may think. To get professional results takes a lot more than just blasting the wood with water.

Many homeowners have cleaned and sealed their own decks only to be disappointed a year later when the deck looks in bad shape again. This is because the wood was not prepared correctly. At this point it would not matter how expensive the deck sealer was that they put on it, it would fail prematurely because of improper preparation.

Wood has to be stripped of any old sealer that may be present and has to be thoroughly cleaned and free of all dirt, grime, mold, and mildew. The wood then has to be brightened or neutralized to make it more acidic so the new deck sealer can penetrate the wood properly. These steps are very crucial to a proper restoration. After the deck reaches a 12% moisture level or less (normally a day or two) the new deck sealer is then applied.

A properly sealed deck will last 2 to 3 years before needing maintenance again. A professional deck restoration company can put you on a maintenance plan in which they came back every two years to maintain the deck. This way the deck looks good all the time. Most of the time the maintenance is not as costly as the initial restoration.

Why Deck Staining in Cities Like Warsaw, Indiana is Necessary

2009-03-31T16:20:00.000-07:00

Cleaning and staining decks in Warsaw on a regular basis is necessary to the life of the wood. The sun and moisture can and will rot the wood over time. Even pressure treated woods needs to be protected with a deck or fence stain. The chemical treatment in pressure treated lumber is to deter insects and bugs from eating the wood.

Pressure treated, cedar, redwood, and all exotic hardwood like mahogany and ipe all have to have a deck stain applied to them to protect them from the elements. The sun's UV rays are what turns a deck grey. Rain and moisture will including morning dew, will swell the wood as it absorbs the water. As the day warms and moisture dries up, the wood then shrinks. It is this constant swelling and shrinking that will eventually crack, splinter, and warp the wood. A good deck stain is required to protect against this sun and water damage or a deck can deteriorate in very little time.

For Warsaw, Indiana residents there are deck staining services available. With the weather warming up, so is the deck staining season. Deck staining Warsaw services are offered to homeowners from April though October during which time a deck can be cleaned and stained to look like new again. Even old neglected decks can be brought back to life with by an experienced wood restoration company.

Decks are a wonderful place for family time and cookouts. They are added living space and can add value to your home and property. Taking care of your deck is going to save you money in the long run. Having the deck cleaned and stained properly by a professional is the key.

What People Don't Realize About a Deck Cleaning Contractor

2009-03-28T17:40:00.000-07:00

There is a lot of misconception when it comes to deck cleaning and sealing services. So many people think that blasting a deck with a pressure washing is adequate enough to clean it. They then follow this with a fresh coat of deck sealer. What they do not understand is why the deck looks horrible again in less than a year and why the deck sealer is starting to fade.

Deck cleaning contractors know why. It is because the wooden deck was not prepared properly. But most people at this point would blame the deck sealer. So they wash the deck again and put a different brand of deck sealer on it and the same thing happens. This is a vicious cycle and after awhile they either give up completely or they finally call in a professional deck cleaning contractor. Deck cleaning is a skilled trade that most will not understand until they actually see professional results.

Now the contractor sees years of neglect and multiple layers of different brands of deck sealer and he knows the job will not be easy. Deck sealer is meant to penetrate the wood, but time after time people will apply new deck sealer over the old deck sealer. The deck sealer does not adhere to one another nor is it suppose to. So the new deck sealer begins to peel and flake off and it becomes a huge mess.

The deck cleaning contractor now has to strip and remove all the old remnants of deck sealer to get down to the bare wood again, but yet people will balk at the cost of doing a complete restoration like this. It stems from a lack of understanding how deck restoration is performed. There is no blasting the wood with water and slapping a new deck sealer over the old. A stripping agent is applied to remove the old failing sealer, a neutralizing step is then performed, and then a new deck sealer is applied to the new looking deck.

Deck Refinishing Services for Granger, IN Residents

2009-03-24T05:41:00.000-07:00

A wooden deck is a great place for any out door get together. Everyone that had a deck and enjoys it knows that it is worth its weight in gold. Being able to add extra living space to your home is always a plus. Extra outdoor living space is very much enjoyed even in the northern climate of Granger, IN.

Granger homeowners know how to entertain guests, friends, and family. Cookouts are common through out Granger subdivisions during any warm summer weekend or holiday. The best way for homeowners to keep up with wood deck maintenance is to hire a deck refinishing Granger company. A reputable deck refinishing company will know what equipment, methods, and cleaners to use to restore and maintain your beautiful Granger deck.

Not having to worry about refinishing the deck themselves leaves their mind at ease. With career and family demands most Granger residents cannot not find the time to refinish their deck anyway. And they know that hiring a professional deck refinishing Granger, IN contractor certainly has its benefits. Deck refinishing is much harder than most people think, it really is a skilled trade when it is done correctly.

With deck refinishing, the deck must first be prepared properly or the new deck finish will not adhere properly to the wood. The first must be cleaned to remove contaminants like dirt, mold, mildew, and any old deck finish that may be present. The Granger, IN deck is then allowed to dry for several days before the new deck finish is applied to protect against sun and water damage.

How Important Is Cleaning Vinyl Siding in Bristol, IN

2009-03-22T06:28:00.000-07:00

Just like anything that is exposed the Mother Nature in Bristol, your vinyl siding needs attention and maintenance every couple of years. Mold, mildew, and algae will grow on vinyl siding normally first appearing on the north side of the house where the prevailing amount of shade and moisture are present. A cleaning vinyl siding Bristol, IN contractor will know how to properly kill and remove these contaminants from your home's exterior.

When neglected, these natural contaminants can enter the inside of the home through open windows, vented fascia areas, and attic vents. Mold and mildew can cause serious health concerns among residents of the Bristol home suffering from these issues. A simple maintenance cleaning program can be set up so your home remains clean all the time. A good vinyl siding cleaning every couple of years will be enough to keep these contaminants at bay.

Areas that are more shaded, like houses in wooded areas, may need to be cleaned more often. As will homes near a busy highway, airport, or industrial areas. Cleaning vinyl siding in Bristol is a great services for residents who understand the importance of keep a clean home. It will eradicate any health issues, it will increase the curb appeal of the Bristol home, and will increase the overall value.

Rochester Indiana House Washing and Hot Water?

2009-03-07T10:20:00.000-08:00

You may have seen this in ads or heard it from contractors; "specializing in hot water washing." So is hot water better for house washing Rochester, Indiana homes? What benefit is it to home owners living in Rochester? To answer some of these questions we have asked many other house washing contractors around the country if they use hot water to wash houses. Their answers may amaze you. We actually found very few that use hot water for house washing on a regular basis. But quite a few have tried it in the past. Their feedback was from their experience and was honest.

A major concern that we kept hearing was that hot water can warp vinyl siding. It seems that too hot of water can too quickly change the molecules in the vinyl siding causing a permanent warping effect. Another concern we heard was that hot water alone can be detrimental to the surrounding plants and shrubbery. It makes sense if you think about it.

The real amazing thing was that no contractors found that hot water actually got the house cleaner than using normal temperature water and the proper chemicals. They did report it saved on chemicals costs because the chemicals would spread further, but the cost evened out by the time they paid for fuel for the hot water burner to run. So it didn't make much sense to risk damaging the siding for no reason.

Basically, the end result to the homeowner is the same; a clean house. There is no benefit for the customer whether a house washing company uses hot water or not. What most said was that in their opinion the whole "hot water washing" line is just a marketing gimmick. Customers think they are getting something better when really they aren't. The funny thing is that the companies advertising hot water do not even use hot water most of the time. Like when it is 90 degrees outside, what is the point, right? Be aware of this type of trickery to gain your house washing Rochester business but could actually damage your home.

Deck Cleaning Valparaiso and Deck Sealing Goshen Services

2009-02-25T16:30:00.001-08:00

A great service that is building popularity with Indiana homeowners is deck cleaning and sealing. Deck cleaning Valparaiso and deck sealing Goshen services are available to residents in these areas. Many homeowners rely on these services to help keep their decks maintained.

Deck maintenance Valparaiso is essential for the longevity of any deck in the area. Deck cleaning and sealing is a skilled trade and should only be left to experienced deck sealing contractors. Some homeowners and do it yourselfers may want to attempt to clean and seal their own deck. They should be experienced in operating a pressure washer.

Too much water pressure can easily shred and splinter a wooden deck. The pressure must be backed down a bit to eradicate any risk of wood damage. Finding a deck cleaning Valparaiso or deck sealing Goshen company can be a daunting task. You have to find a contractor that you trust and one that is experienced enough to do the job properly. Ask the deck sealing contractor plenty of questions to test their knowledge. Ask what methods and equipment will be used and how long will the new deck sealer last.

Wood Deck Cleaning on Hardwood Decks

2009-02-17T16:55:00.000-08:00

There are many different types of wood that is used for wooden decks. Many different hardwoods are used in deck building, but do not let the name fool you; when deck cleaning hardwood to much pressure can splinter and fur up the wood.

Causing damage to a hardwood deck is not the end of the world but care should be taken. A sander may be your best friend if you have cause a little damage. But to eliminate any risk when hardwood deck cleaning, you should back down the pressure of the washer to less than 1000 psi.

Most of the basics are the same in wood deck cleaning with most any wood. Most of the time the pressure should be turned down for any type of wood. Pressure treated, cedar, redwood, and so on. They can all be damaged by excessive pressure from a pressure washer.

Unless you have experience in operating a pressure washer and have a knowledge of the chemicals and methods used; wood deck cleaning should be left to a professional. A wood deck cleaning pro will have the tools and knowledge to get the job done right. A proper wood deck cleaning is necessary for the new deck sealer to adhere to the wood properly.

A Deck Sealing Warsaw, IN Contractor Can Help

2009-02-06T13:41:00.000-08:00

Wooden decks are great for family time and cookouts. Decks are just extra outdoor living spaces added on to the house. They are a great home improvement. As you know they can be a little expensive so taking care of them is a must.

Deck sealing is a great choice for homeowners living in Warsaw, IN. A deck cleaning and sealing company can come out and seal your newer deck or restore an older neglected deck. Either way you are helping to protect your investment, not to mention cookouts will only be more enjoyable.

Deck sealing Warsaw, IN services, when done right, can increase the longevity of the deck. Water and sun damage will rot and decay the wood if it is not protected. A good quality semi transparent deck sealer is recommended.

A deck sealing Warsaw contractor can clean and prepare the deck for the new sealer. It is very important to clean the deck properly before applying a new deck sealing product. Otherwise, the deck sealer may fail prematurely if the wood was not cleaned correctly.

St. Louis Deck Cleaning and Sealing Company

2009-01-13T13:14:00.000-08:00

Deck Staining can be very time consuming, challenging, and very boring. Many homeowners don't have the time or the patience to stain their deck. There are many companies out there that do deck staining St. Louis, but which company is the right company to choose you may ask.

First, make sure the deck cleaning company you choose is only going to use low pressure. Most guys think just because they own a pressure washer that gives them the right to charge people to wash their homes, their decks,etc. Not only are these type of people inexperienced, they charge way too little because they don't know how to price the work accordingly, they will damage your property by using too much pressure trying to clean the job to make it go faster.

Most Missouri Deck Cleaning companies use the right detergents with low pressure to properly clean your deck the correct way. Second, be very careful if you hired someone off of Craigslist. Many people that run ads on Craigslist are just looking to make a quick buck or two.

Where are they going to be at in a month, 2 months, or 6 months from now if something goes wrong. Third, make sure the St. Louis Deck Cleaning Company and deck staining company offers a warranty on all their work.

Proper Deck Cleaners on Old Decks

2008-12-03T17:21:00.000-08:00

Once a deck appears old it is time to restore it. When it comes to wood restoration, using the proper deck cleaners is very necessary. The proper deck cleaners will ensure that all of the contaminants in the wood are removed such as dirt and mildew. Using only water pressure to clean the wood may appear to be changing the appearance of the wood, but it will not be completely cleaned.

The biggest factor in the wood restoration job being a success, is preparing the wood properly before applying a wood deck sealer. The number one reason a deck stain fails, no matter how expensive it may have been, is improper wood preparation.

The proper deck cleaners will also dissolve and remove any old sealer that may still be in the wood. This is also extremely important so that the new sealer can penetrate and adhere to the wood like it is suppose to do. If an old failing deck sealer is present, the new sealer won’t be able get to the wood.

The new sealer will try to adhere to the old sealer resulting in a peeling and flaking mess in as little as a few months. At this point the wood restoration job will be that much more tedious and expensive to do correctly.

Deck Cleaning Basics

2008-01-27T14:38:00.000-08:00

Deck cleaning or wood restoration is one of the most misunderstood services when it comes to exterior cleaning. There is much more to restoring wood than just blasting water and slapping stain on a deck. The most common reason a sealer fails is because the wood was not prepped correctly.

Wood is actually very soft and is easily damaged with too much water pressure so it is essential to turn down the pressure and achieve the desired results with the proper chemicals. First it must be determined whether the deck needs cleaned or stripped. If the deck has never had sealer on it before than it can just be cleaned otherwise it needs to be stripped to remove all remnants of old sealer. After cleaning the wood it needs to be neutralized so it is more acidic and ready for the new sealer to adhere. The deck needs to dry out until the proper moisture content is reached usually in a couple of days.

When hiring a deck cleaning company be sure to ask the contractor his methods to determine is level of knowledge in wood restoration.

Locating a Power Washing Company

2007-12-06T11:06:00.000-08:00

Power washing hasn’t always been looked at by the public as a serious profession. Spoiled by fly-by-night companies due to potentially low start up costs, the industry has always battled an uphill struggle to be a professional service industry that can stand tough on its own. Being a contractor I have heard shocking stories of people being taken advantage of or having their property damaged by dishonorable contractors that thought they knew what they were doing.

The good news is there are professional power washing contractors out there that do have knowledge of equipment, cleaners, methods, business and customer satisfaction. While searching for a highly regarded contractor in your area keep some things in mind; always ask the contractor questions to test their knowledge, ask how long they’ve been in business, make sure they power wash full time, and that they specialize in power washing only.

Stay away from contractors or handymen that offer every service under the sun like hauling trash, mowing, painting, power washing and so on. Find a contractor that makes his living serving others not one that just does it on the weekends for some extra beer money. Don’t buy into an incredibly low price, if it sounds too good to be true it probably is, remember you get what you pay for. Lastly, you should always ask the contractor for a written guarantee, references and testimonials. If they cannot stand behind their work or their customers aren’t saying first-rate things about them then you can’t anticipate them giving you the professional results you expect.

What a Deck Cleaning Company Can Do

2007-12-05T09:26:00.000-08:00

Having your wood deck properly maintained every couple of years is a great way to protect its beauty and value but some home owners neglect their wood deck so long that it becomes an eye sore to them and their neighbors. A deck that is cleaned and sealed correctly, with the right cleaners, sealers and methods, will remain in good condition for several years. To have your deck looking good all the time, maintenance is required every other year. Maintenance methods will differ with every deck cleaning company but usually it will include a light washing and a re-seal of all the horizontal surfaces like the deck floor, steps and top hand rails. Every second maintenance coat, or every forth year, the entire deck needs to be washed and re-coated including the rim boards and spindles. Being on a deck cleaning maintenance schedule like this with a quality deck cleaning company will mean your deck will never look neglected and can be enjoyed for many years.

Power Washing Tips for DIYers

2007-11-26T13:50:00.000-08:00

Many home owners around the country prefer to take on their own exterior cleaning projects. Some may have had a bad experience with an unethical contractor in the past or they may just enjoy the satisfaction of being a do-it-yourselfer. Whatever the case; attempting a project like cleaning your homes exterior can be a frightening task. Most accidents resulting in personal injury or property damage are caused from a lack of knowledge. You can help this situation by doing your homework and researching cleaning methods and techniques. For instance, the Vinyl Siding Institute has guidelines and suggestions for cleaning siding as do most of the major shingle manufacturers for cleaning shingle roofs. Knowing these guidelines and other power washing tips can make your exterior cleaning task a little easier and safer. It can also help to reduce the risk of damaging your siding, roof, deck, or other surfaces around your property.

Your Property and Power Washing

2007-11-25T05:22:00.000-08:00

Your home is probably your largest investment and you know it is well worth the time and effort to take care of it. Power washing can increase your homes curb appeal which reflects on your image. Cleaning the exterior of your home and property can also increase its value, but it can be a daunting task. Finding a professional contractor that offers power washing services can be well worth the effort and cost. A reputable contractor will have the proper knowledge, equipment, and cleaners necessary to do the job properly and in a timely fashion. The end result for you is a well maintained home, free of dirt, mold, and mildew which will cause rot and decay. Having these services done eliminates the risk of future repairs, renovations, and replacements of the building materials that make up your home. Whether you’re a do-it-yourselfer or looking to hire a contractor, taking care of your homes exterior helps to protect your largest investment.

Wood Decks and Wood Deck Cleaning

2007-10-31T16:12:00.000-07:00

Restoring a wood deck is not something the average home owner should tackle unless they have some prior experience working with sealers along with using a pressure washer. Decks can be severely damaged by power washers so if you are going to attempt this yourself, test your water pressure on a scrap piece of wood first. As with any other type of power washing job, you need to make sure you have a good pressure washer and use only professional grade deck cleaning products and wood sealers / stains. Once you have the proper cleaning equipment, deck cleaner and wood sealer, it is time to get to work.

Start by applying the deck cleaning solution as directed in the instructions. The instructions for the cleaner should give you an approximate time to wait before washing. Once it's time to wash, start at one end of the deck and work your way across and remember not to get too close to the wood with the tip of the wand. Use a wide fan tip and no more than 1000 psi. Keep the wand in front of you working from side to side in a half moon type swinging action. This pulls the wand away from the wood at the end of each pass before swinging back the other way and helps to feather out the entire deck floor. This type of motion will eliminate unsightly wand marks that occur from abrupt stopping and starting.

Rinse the deck thoroughly and apply a contractor grade brightener to the wood following the directions and then rinse thoroughly once more. It is very important for you to read and follow the instructions for the wood sealer you purchase. Failure to apply the sealer as directed could lead to disaster and ruin the deck permanently! You may want to consider hiring a Wood Deck Cleaning Contractor

Low Pressure Tactics

2007-10-31T14:47:00.000-07:00

What does it mean when a contractor says he uses low pressure washing methods? Low pressure washing is using very low pounds per square inch (psi) of water pressure to clean with. Contractors using low pressure rely on their cleaners to do the work and the gallons per minute (gpm) to do the washing and rinsing. This method of low pressure, quality cleaners, and high gallons per minute is very effective in cleaning most anything on your property. This method also eliminates risk of damaging your property like forcing water behind your home’s siding or shredding the wood fibers on your deck.

Contractors not using the low pressure method will be using high water pressure to blast the surface clean instead of depending on quality cleaners to do the work. High pressure can no doubt damage vinyl siding, decks, roofs, and even certain types of cement and brick. Make sure you, or the contractor you hire, use the low pressure washing method.

Wood Deck Cleaning

2007-10-29T13:19:00.000-07:00

Deck cleaning and sealing maintenance are very popular services among home owners whom know how important it can be to the life of their deck. With cleaning and sealing the biggest factor in doing the job properly is choosing the right cleaners and sealers. Preparing the wood properly is just as important as the quality of sealer that will be used. The number one reason a sealer fails is because the wood was not prepared properly, it doesn’t matter if the sealer being used is very expensive if the wood is not prepped properly the sealer will fail prematurely.

Another fact to note is that wood is actually very soft and can be severely damaged and scared from a high pressure washer. It is best to practice washing on a scrap piece of the same kind of wood your deck was built with. If you don’t have a scrap piece of wood, practice on an inconspicuous spot on your deck that is more or less hidden from view.

If you are not experienced with operating a power washer or if you don't have experience with staining wood, you may not want to tackle a deck restoration project yourself. The best solution is to hire a professional deck cleaning contractor to do the job for you.

Deck Cleaning Contractor

2007-10-26T17:05:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the deck cleaning blog of Midwest Pro Wash. We are a deck restoration contractor providing deck restoration services to residents in Indiana. We do something that is unique to the industry, we provide free information about deck cleaning and restoration to help educate home owners so they can make a more informed and intelligent decision when looking for deck cleaning services. Stay tuned and check in often for deck cleaning tips, information, and advise. Thanks again for visiting the deck cleaning blog of Midwest Pro Wash.