Deck Owner s. Guide

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Bethanie Carter
5 years ago
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Deck Owner s Guide We hope this guide is

options for either Deck Maintenance or a

This guide is packed with golden nuggets;

be able to make the best decisions to care

1 Deck Owner s Guide We hope this guide is helpful to you in understanding ALL your options for either Deck Maintenance or a Deck Makeover. This guide is packed with golden nuggets; we held nothing back in order for you to be able to make the best decisions to care for and, most importantly, enjoy your deck. From your friends at

We typically have one of two customers, which one are you? 1. Know what you need maintenance. A light wash maybe some sanding and reapplication of seal or stain 2.

3 We typically have one of two customers, which one are you? 1. Know what you need maintenance. A light wash maybe some sanding and reapplication of seal or stain 2. Sees the dingy appearance, maybe there are some rotten, severely cracked or warped boards, maybe even blotchy appearance from previously applied stain. Are you undecided if you are going wrap crime scene tape around the deck, burn it down or try to salvage it for a few more years. Clearly, I have a bias, but seriously out of the 3,000 decks we service per year maybe 5 are unsafe to walk on or service. One of those 5 may be yours, but it s probably not. Don t fret, we are always happy to walk through your options and talk with you whether you hire us, someone else or even do it yourself. Before I get into the guide I want to answer the number 1 question I get about decks. What do I need to do and how often do I need to maintain my deck? (I guess that s two questions) Wash your deck with low pressure and a mild detergent annually. When is the best time of year? Every season has its pros and cons so anytime is good to remove the previous year s collection of mold, mildew algae, pollen, leaf tannins and dirt. Let s get into it! DECK OWNER S GUIDE 1

4 STEP ONE Assessment - Creates a road map for your next decks steps of Maintenance or Makeover 12-Point Inspection 1. Amount of sun - Where is deck facing? 2. Tree canopy - Is there algae and mold growth? 3. Condition of the wood - Is there rot, warping, cracking and nail pops? 4. Previous care of the deck -Does your deck require regular maintenance or a makeover? 5. Type of wood (species) - Cedar, redwood, ipe, pine or composite 6. On the ground or above the ground - Can the wood breathe when it gets wet or does it stay wet? 7. Size of the deck, number of stairs 8. Age of the wood - Pre or post 2004 for arsenic 9. Previous stains or seals - Is there fading or peeling? Can you see the grain of the wood or is it a solid? 10. Are large dogs living in the home? 11. What is surrounding the deck - bushes, patio, pool 12. What is attached to the deck? lattice, steps, pergola STEP TWO - Stripping Chemical stripping the deck involves applying the stripping solution, washing the deck of all stripping solution and neutralizing (ph) the deck. If the stripper is not neutralized it will continue to eat away at any new stain. When would we recommend stripping a deck? If you are changing the color of existing semi-transparent (add stain after semi transparent) If the existing stain is peeling and uneven in appearance In order to get back to original bare wood. *A solid stain (deck paint) cannot be stripped because we will not be able to remove the entire product. *A deck that has been stripped will become splintered and fur. All deck stripping must be accompanied with deck sanding 2 DECK OWNER S GUIDE

STEP THREE Washing Restoring a weathered deck to its original beauty takes the hands of an experienced washing technician. We begin our refinishing process by applying a deck brightener.

5 STEP THREE Washing Restoring a weathered deck to its original beauty takes the hands of an experienced washing technician. We begin our refinishing process by applying a deck brightener. This detergent loosens mold and mildew so we will not need high pressure. Old coatings can be tough to remove and may need additional cleaning techniques to help break them down. The wood will need to go through a drying period before it is ready for the next step, sanding. Wood type and climate will determine how fast the wood will dry. STEP FOUR Board and Picket Replacement Deck resurfacing is the process of replacing the deck boards, railing or pickets, and the steps on their existing structure. The reasons deck boards, pickets or railings need to be renewed are: Surface boards are weathered, worn, warped or rotten. Railings or stairs are in disrepair or unsafe DECK OWNER S GUIDE 3

STEP FIVE Sanding (Consumer Reports Recommended) Benefits of Deck

and wear and tear Evens out color from preexisting stains Removes many

fibers giving the deck revitalized and fresh appearance Smooths rough

acceptance and richer appearance of seals and stain Identifies boards

6 STEP FIVE Sanding (Consumer Reports Recommended) Benefits of Deck Sanding For Your Deck: Deck sanding can mitigate years of neglect, age and wear and tear Evens out color from preexisting stains Removes many existing stains without the use of harsh chemicals Removes loose soft fibers giving the deck revitalized and fresh appearance Smooths rough edges, protects people and pets hands, feet and paws Allows for better acceptance and richer appearance of seals and stain Identifies boards that may need repair or replacement Sanding makes the difference! 4 DECK OWNER S GUIDE

STEP SIX STAINING From natural looking clears to bold solids, find the perfect deck staining color and finish.

Comes in a variety of colors Before Advanced UV protection for more enduring protection With deck stains you have two options: Semi Transparent- You can

paint) Unlimited color selection After Easy to touch up scratches or paw tracks Hides flaws in deck STEP SEVEN - SEALING A seal is a clear water based

7 STEP SIX STAINING From natural looking clears to bold solids, find the perfect deck staining color and finish. Deck Stain Benefits Makes the deck look uniform, beautiful Deck Stain with proper preparation is guaranteed to last 3 years. Comes in a variety of colors Before Advanced UV protection for more enduring protection With deck stains you have two options: Semi Transparent- You can see the grain and variances of the wood Looks more Natural HOA s will allow our standard deck stain colors (except redwood) Solid stain- (like deck paint) Unlimited color selection After Easy to touch up scratches or paw tracks Hides flaws in deck STEP SEVEN - SEALING A seal is a clear water based film finish which is applied by spray and protects against water. It has NO UV protection. Some of our customers also seal underneath of their deck. Sealing the underside will last between 3-5 years, against water. DECK OWNER S GUIDE 5

The Cedar Doctor s. Preserve your Home & Equity 10+ Industry Tips Inside! Restore Preserve Maintain.

The Cedar Doctor s. Preserve your Home & Equity 10+ Industry Tips Inside! Restore Preserve Maintain. The Cedar Doctor s Preserve your Home & Equity 10+ Industry Tips Inside! www.cedardoctor.co.nz With a little care and maintenance, your cedar wood can be looking great for decades! What is Cedar Wood?