Deck Maintenance: Restoration vs. Replacement
With increased lumber prices over the past year, replacing a deck has become quite a financial burden.
More and more, we see these tasks fall lower and lower on the to-do list until they shift from a “want to replace” to a “need to replace.” On the bright side, replacement may not be your only option. Shine Time Power Wash & Paint can offer solutions to your wood woes!
Power washing will remove dirt, algae, grime, sunspots, and other organic growth. In most cases, one of our field-seasoned estimators will assess the wood to determine the service required to restore the surface. Newer decks with light green algae build-up or an aged gray hue only require a low-pressure wash with our specialty cleaning solution. Annual low-pressure cleaning of your deck will extend the overall life of the surface and keep your deck looking brand new. Older decks with heavy organic accumulation will require a high-pressure wash, which essentially strips away that buildup and exposes the raw wood underneath. On countless occasions, we have saved homeowners thousands of dollars in replacement costs with a high-pressure deck wash, restoring life to the surface never thought possible. While power washing your deck will revive the surface, the next critical step is protection.
Sun exposure, moisture, precipitation, humidity, tree coverage – these are all factors that contribute to how your deck will age over time. Staining your deck will protect the wood from the elements, prolonging the life of the surface. Based on the condition of the wood, Shine Time will recommend the application of semi-transparent or solid body stain. While newer decks can go with either option, older decks may require a solid body stain to help cover imperfections in the more weathered wood.
Semi-transparent stain delivers great protection while still allowing the grain pattern of the wood to show through, with a lifespan of about 2 years before needing to recoat. Solid-body stain provides superior protection, with a more opaque finish that covers most of the grain pattern and offers 3-5 years of protection. Both stains provide a mildew-resistant finish, UV protection, and a water-resistant coating. Also, remember that maintaining the stained deck surface with an annual low-pressure wash will extend the time between recoating.
Beautifying your outdoor space allows you to enjoy more time spent at home. As maintenance costs are almost always lower than repair or replacement costs, Shine Time is here to help you preserve your investments with cost-effective services. Click our ‘Get a Quote’ link to receive your free estimate today. We look forward to servicing you!
