Deck Cleaning & Sealing

Deck Cleaning & Sealing

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Approximately 1/2 the homes in the United States have a wooden deck, siding, fencing, or roof. Without protection wood rapidly deteriorates from the following elements:

• Water: Water is absorbed into the wood and washes out the natural wood resins and color. Freezing/thaw cycles can splinter and crack the wood. Also water promotes algae, mold, and mildew growth and rotting.
• Sun Light: Ultraviolet (UV) rays bleaches the wood fibers and breaks down the cell structure.
• Mold, Mildew, Algae, and Fungus: Wood and moisture are a natural food source for mold, mildew, algae, and fungus. This generally causes a black, green or gray discoloration.
• Contamination: Contamination comes in the form of food, dirt, atmospheric pollution, etc. This is a good food source for Mold, Mildew, Algae, and Fungus.

Wood in poor condition reduces the value of a home. Proper cared for wood adds to the value and appearance of a home. There is more than one way to clean and seal a deck. We will examine the most popular techniques and point out some of the advantages and disadvantages of each. You will have to choose the technique that you prefer.

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