A specific niche in the power washing industry is the skilled trade of power washing decks or deck restoration. This service is commonly misunderstood. Contrary to what some may think, power washing and restoring a wooden deck really is more than just blasting the wood with water and then slapping a deck sealer on it.

The most common misunderstood concept is the use of high pressure though a power washer. Also known as a pressure washer, most people just assume it is all about the pressure, thinking the more the better. This is just not true and it is a constant struggle for professional power washing contractors to re-educate consumers that too much pressure can easily damage a wooden deck.

Similar to house cleaning, deck cleaning is really about relying on the cleaners to do the work. Not only will the proper deck and power wash cleaners make it easier to clean, but mold and mildew will also be killed. Removing and killing pollutants like mold, algae, and mildew will ensure they do not return any time soon.

After the power washing process on a deck, there is another necessary step that is performed to neutralize the caustic cleaner that was used. This lowers the PH level of the wood, making it more acidic which is what the new deck sealer will adhere best to. After the deck is allowed to dry for several days, a quality oil based deck sealer is applied to protect against water and sun damage.

Wood Care

Natural Siding

Many property owners assume their blackened, discolored natural wood sidings, decks or fencing must be replaced. Replacement is an extremely expensive and often unnecessary remedy. Imagine their excitement when a test patch is performed returning their black, dingy wood to almost new condition! Remember…thousands saved is thousands earned!

Years of neglect can leave unprotected natural sidings brittle, cracked and damaged. Therefore it is imperative to closely inspect the siding prior to attempting to clean it to evaluate its condition. Many times a test patch in an obscure area enables us to see how the job will turn out. This process ensures both sides know what to expect thus avoiding any controversy or misconceptions after the fact.

Kevcopro uses cleaning methods that achieve dramatic results on natural sidings. By utilizing the correct amount of pressure, water volume and temperature mixed with the proper cleaners these results are typical. Knowing the correct methods and procedures ensures these desirable results. Unfortunately, improper cleaning methods utilized by inexperienced operators or do it yourselfers can leave undesirable results and/or permanent damage.

Once your natural siding is cleaned and restored, it is imperative to protect it from the harmful effects of the wind, rain, and sun. Failure to protect it will speed up the return of the nasty weathered look and shorten the woods effective life span. We will provide information on sealing and staining options.

Heavily weathered cedar shingles, above, respond dramatically to our cleaning process.  

 

At left is a weathered deck floor - before and after cleaning. The difference is quite dramatic. However, cleaning is only one part of the maintenance process. It is imperative to protect natural wood after cleaning to protect it from damage by the elements. This is similar to putting on sun block to protect yourself from the harmful effects of the sun.

Ask about our Anual Maintenance Agreement.

Wood Decks and Wood Fences

Many homes on Martha's Vineyard have a wooden deck, so chances are you have one attached to your home. Although wood decks, especially pressure-treated decks, were originally thought to be maintenance-free, most people now recognize the importance of protecting the wood from the harmful effects of the sun, wind, rain and snow.

Your wooden deck is a big investment and properly maintaining it will extend its useful life and make it a source of pride to both you and your family. On average, most decks need to be refinished (sealed) every two years to not only protect surfaces from damage but keep them looking good. Sticking to a scheduled maintenance program will insure your deck stays in top shape.

KevcoPro will carefully inspect your deck and assess its condition. From there we will recommend a maintenance program to keep it in top condition. Once a maintenance program is in place, you sit back and enjoy your deck and we'll do the rest!

Ask about our Anual Maintenance Agreement.

Natural wood products, left unprotected and exposed to the harmful effects of the elements, is subject to graying, warping, cupping, checking, splitting and cracking.

KevcoPro can clean and protect your natural woods. 

Cleaning Wood Decks & Fencing

When you have a severely weathered, dingy looking deck or fence that you want to protect Rule #1... Do not apply any sealers, paint or stains on a surface that has mold, moss or discoloration. You are wasting your money and time. The surface must be properly clean and free of contaminants prior to any application of sealers, stains or paint. You have three choices- (1) Purchase a deck cleaning product from a home center being sure to follow all manufacturer's directions, rent or buy a pressure washer and then seal (2) Hire a professional to perform all these tasks. (3) Hire a professional to perform the cleaning and restoring then perform the sealing yourself

Our experience has shown us most homeowners achieve unsatisfactory results with deck cleaning products. Deck cleaning product manufacturers tend, in our opinion, to over simplify the process of cleaning and restoring your deck. Misuse the product and you can damage your deck. This is further complicated by the myriad of conditions that may or may not be present on your deck, each requiring a different type cleaner and cleaning protocol. Heavy, thick accumulations of moss, mildew and discoloration normally require an application of a deck cleaning product followed by power washing with prudent amounts of pressure and then followed by a deck brightener to completely restore the surface. Many decks or fences need to be stripped to remove the old sealer or some may need a hot water pressure wash to completely remove ground in dirt and grime. If you have little or no experience using a pressure washing machine your natural wood deck or fence is may not be the best place to learn. Natural wood cleaning tends to be very unforgiving and requires a consistent cleaning distance to avoid "wand marks". Remember… imperfections you leave the surface will be amplified after you seal the deck or fence.

Many times we are hired to clean and restore decks or fences and the customer applies a sealer or stain. Results vary based on the product purchased and the efficiency of the person applying it. Remember, there is nothing worse than seeing deck sealer over spray all over a home's siding because somebody went crazy with a deck sprayer. Are you the type of person who is motivated and proficient enough to perform your sealing tasks and achieve desirable results? Do you have the time and are you willing to acquire the proper equipment? What type of product should you use and will you be working from a ladder? If you don't have the time or motivation then consider hiring a professional. You'll be glad you did!

Sealing Wood Decks & Fencing

KevcoPro is here yearround and available to handle all your wood care sealing needs. Let us design a wood care maintenance program which utilizes professional grade products, applied by fully trained professionals.

Ask about our Anual Maintenance Agreement.

Do you have a deck made out of an exotic wood?

Whether your deck is made out of pressure treated wood, mahogany (as shown in the steps - right) or ipe (Brazilian walnut) rest assured Mobile Power Wash of New England has the experience to clean, restore and maintain the beauty of your deck.

Cleaning composite type decking & fencing material

Many homeowners are installing composite type decking material (trexwood, etc.) to avoid the maintenance issues commonly associated with wood. Composite decking material has its advantages but it still requires periodic cleaning to refresh its appearance. KecoPro can safely clean and restore this material, as seen in these before and after photos

Kevco Professional Painting & Powerwashing
(508) 360-3424
P.O. Box 1244
Vineyard Haven, MA 02568
Kevin@kevcopro.com