Deck Sealing Deck Cleaning
Sealing a Deck   by Mark J. Donovan


A deck is an extension of your home's living space and where you will spend much of
your time during the summer months. Consequently, it needs to be treated and cared for
as much as your home's inside rooms.

Most important to the care of your deck is regularly sealing it. This is particularly true if
you want your deck to maintain the natural color of the wood.

Sealing a deck is critical in order to preserve the life and look of the wood. The sealant
preserves the beauty of the natural wood by protecting it from both water and sun
damage.

When to Apply the Deck Sealant

In order to preserve the natural wood look for many years, I typically apply the sealant
every year. Also, I usually apply it in late summer/early fall as I live in New England. I do
this because of the concern of snow lying on the deck for long periods of time during the
winter months. My concern is in the acidity of the water in the snow. By putting on a
sealant just prior to snow season, I can provide peak protection against the prolonged
damaging effects of the acid contained in the water. In hotter climates, where there is
less snow, I would suggest applying the deck sealer in late spring.

Clean the deck prior to Sealing

First, remove all of the deck furniture off of the deck.

Prior to sealing it is then best to power wash the deck and let it thoroughly dry. You may
need to use a stiff bristly brush to get off any material that is not being removed by the
power washer. Pine pitch frequently requires the services of this tool. There are also a
variety of products offered by sealant manufactures that can also assist in the deck
sealant preparation.

After power washing it may take 24-48 hours, or even longer, for the deck to thoroughly
dry, pending weather conditions. Make sure the deck is completely dry prior to applying
the sealant. Otherwise the sealant may not be appropriately absorbed into the wood's
surface.

Once the deck is dry, and you are about ready to begin sealing, use a leaf blower to
remove any debris that may have fallen onto the deck's surface since you power washed
it. If you do not have a leaf blower, than simply sweep the deck.

Sealing the deck

First, the deck sealer should not be applied if the temperature is below 50 degrees
Fahrenheit and if rain is forecasted in the next 24 hours. Otherwise the sealant may not
absorb properly, nor dry properly.

Using a brush apply the sealant around all the deck edges and posts. Once the edging is
complete, use a sprayer, brush or roller to apply the sealant to the deck surface. Make
sure that the sealant is firmly pressed into the wood surface to maximize the penetration
of the sealant into the wood.

Typically only one coat is recommended by most deck sealers.

Though most manufactures suggest the deck is ready for walking on after 24 hours, I
would recommend waiting a little longer if the weather has not been ideal for drying
conditions.

Once the deck is dry, return the deck furniture and enjoy the beauty of your deck for
another year.
House Washing With a Power Washer   by Justin


There may be a time when you look at your house, and notice that it just
doesn't look as bright or new as it used to. Some people may call a
professional house painter, or grab a paintbrush and a can and paint
themselves. Most likely, this just isn't necessary. Just like anything else, your
house can simply become dirty. A good house washing may be all you need.

The first thing you will need is a pressure washer. A pressure washer works
the same way that the wands at a car wash work. You will need one that has
an output of at least 1800 PSI. They come either electrically powered or
gasoline powered. Also, you can get pressure washers that are either
mounted with wheels and a handle, or mounted on a small trailer.

Once you have your pressure washer, you can begin house washing. Pressure
washing will work on almost any type of building material other than
hardboard. You need to keep the water away from any electrical outlets, as
this could cause electrocution. You should always wear protective gear when
using a pressure washer, such as goggles. If you are using a ladder, do not
use the washer at the high point because it can knock you off balance.

There are chemicals that can be added to the pressure washer to aid your
house washing, but do NOT add bleach to the water tank. If you must use
bleach, use a brush to apply it.

When washing your house, keep the water nozzle three to four feet away
from the surface you are cleaning. You can practice this on a sidewalk or
driveway until you get the feel for the way the washer responds to your
movements. Always clean from bottom to top, being careful of any materials
that might break, like windows. Don't keep the spray pointed at one point, or
you could damage the building material.

House washing can be very easy if you just practice safety. In just a short
afternoon, your house can look like new again.
Deck Cleaning Deck Sealing House Washing
Power Washing Services
Deck Repair
302 - 690 - 4434   610 - 869 - 4180

We recommend "Deck Seal Plus" for these services  in case you would
like to do them yourself below are some articles to help or get some idea
what might be involved. If you would like a estimate just call them.