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Has your deck become weathered and unattractive? Let the Deck Restoration Experts at VIP Special Services repair and restore your valued investment to a better-than-new condition.
Take a look at a deck that is just 5 years old. By the way, this deck was sealed during the first year. Unmaintained over the next 48 months, this deck was left completely exposed to the harsh winter environment and harmful UV rays. This deck had to undergo the complete restoration process. Luckily no wood had to be replaced. This customer now maintains their deck semi-annually.
First things first, we will properly prepare your project before beginning. First, we will remove all furniture, lawn-care items, etc. Then we will pre-soak all landscaping in the immediate and surrounding areas. This will allow any cleaning agent or stain that seeps through our protective coverings to roll off of plants, grass, etc., without causing chemical burns. Next, we will cover all landscaping with waterproof tarps. We will cover any areas of your home where overspray has the slightest possibility of occurring, with plastic sheathing and painters tape.
Before beginning to clean your deck, we will employ a punch-like tool called a "drip pin" to reset the deck nails. The large blunt end is used to drive the nails below the wood surface without damaging the rust-proof coating on the nail heads.
Now we can get down to business; proper restoration of any wood surface requires either cleaning or stripping the surface. Coating bare, untreated wood or wood with any deteriorating coating system will prevent the new coating from adhering and penetrating properly, thus leaving your deck unprotected. Improperly prepared decks will show premature evidence of color fading, cracking, peeling and reduced water, almost immediately.
If the wood on your deck is uncoated, the wood needs to be cleaned thoroughly with a product specifically formulated to gently remove the aged surface layer, which will rid the surface of any gray or dull appearance, ground-in dirt, stains from food and beverages, etc. These cleaners will also safely remove any fungus growth, including mildew, mold and algae.
If your deck has been previously coated with a varnish or colored stain, stripping will be required. Previously varnished or stained wood will not accept a different type (water-base over oil-base) or color of coating without the risk of performance failure and color bleed-through. Therefore, it should be stripped in order to be restored.
*Note: High-pressure cleaning is not the solution in either case. Rather chemicals are applied generously and given the appropriate time to soak into the wood and penetrate the toxins and failing sealer or stain. The cleaning agents are then agitated and worked into the wood via a stiff-bristle bush.
To rinse the chemicals used to clean or strip the deck, a pressure washer set at about 1500 PSI is used to rinse and clean the wood, being very careful not to get the nozzle too close to the surface where it can etch away the wood. For this same reason, it is also important to keep the wand moving and avoid leaving it aimed at one spot for a prolonged period of time.
Some dark stains may remain or 'appear' as the natural color of the wood comes back. To remove these spots, often referred to as 'ghosting', wood brighteners are applied, agitated and worked into the wood via a stiff-bristle bush.
Again, we carefully use power washers to thoroughly rinse the surface.
After waiting a few days, the final step is to apply a water-proof sealer or stain. These products will seal the deck against water penetration, add color without obscuring the grain, protect the wood from the sun's ultraviolet rays, and impede the growth of mildew, algae and fungus.
Upon returning, we will ensure all landscaping in the area of operation is completely covered, as well as any areas of your home where overspray has the slightest possibility of occurring. Dependent upon surface type, environment and area of the deck, we will apply the sealer. Rails and steps are usually brushed with even strokes along the length of the boards, moving with the grain. Trellises and lattices are usually sprayed. Large deck areas can be coated with a paint pad, rolled, sprayed or brushed with even strokes along the length of the boards, moving with the grain. Applying the sealer to the sides of the deck boards is best done with a thin brush.
One thin coat is enough to ensure no puddles or pools are left. Wood absorption varies and is never even. There will always be a natural variance in color throughout your deck. We will ensure a neat and even coverage throughout your deck, which will provide your deck with a beautiful, natural finish that will protect your investment for years to come.
You can paint your deck if so desired; however, be forewarned, painted decks require annual maintenance. Once you have applied your chosen color of paint, future color changes can be very labor intensive; for instance, if you have chosen a darker color for your deck and one day wish to change to a lighter or brighter color.
OUR GUARANTEE
We appreciate your business and respect your decision in choosing VIP Special Services. We guarantee your satisfaction with ALL of our services. If you are not satisfied with our services, just give us a call, and we will be happy to return, FOR FREE. |
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