Northern Virginia Homeowners Often Ask About the Difference Between Pressure Washing a Deck and Deck Restoration
As a professional pressure washing company servicing the Woodbridge, Springfield, Manassas, and Alexandria areas, we get many requests from property owners to schedule pressure washing of their decks. According to Realty Times, an online real estate resource, regular exterior pressure washing can add up to $15,000 in value to your home, and your deck is no exception. ProExteriorWash Plus cleans many decks every year, and before doing so, we ask a few qualifying questions to better understand your needs and ensure your expectations are met.
What Is the Deck Made From?
It is vital to know the construction of your deck before reaching out to local pressure cleaning companies. As composite decks and vinyl railings become more popular for their ease of maintenance and long-lasting beauty, they are quickly supplanting pressure-treated wood as the preferred building material for outdoor structures. Composite materials like those manufactured by Trex and Timbertech require a simple cleaning solution and a low-pressure rinse as recommended in the manufacturer guidelines to provide effective cleaning of algae and organics without causing damage from harsh chemicals or high pressure.
What Is the Condition of the Deck?
More traditionally constructed decks made from pressure-treated lumber require more attention to detail. Considerations that may affect the cost of labor are: the age of the deck, wood beginning to grey, splinter, or chip; the condition of the stain or sealer; peeling or chipping; staining; and how long the organics have been growing on the surface and potentially penetrating in the porous wood.
What Work Needs to Be Done?
When your wood deck appears as if it may require staining, it is recommended you call a professional wood deck restoration company to repair, prep the surfaces, and stain the deck. As a homeowner, you want one company responsible for all aspects of your project. If the final result of your refinished deck is not up to your expectations, having one responsible party avoids finger-pointing later. The painter cannot blame improper prep work, the pressure washer cannot blame improper repairs, etc. This becomes even more important when your deck is made from exotic woods like Ipe or Teak.
Hiring pressure cleaning companies like ProExteriorWash Plus to pressure wash a deck is highly recommended when your deck stain has been maintained in good condition and you are seeking a general cleaning or even, perhaps, are looking to tackle the staining portion yourself. It is worth noting that when it is time to stain your deck, using a high-quality “Solid Stain” will provide the best UV and weather protection while making future maintenance much easier. You might even consider upgrading the top rails and deck boards to composite if you plan to remain in the home for seven to 10 years. Converting to composite in this manner does not require permitting in Virginia and is an excellent way to add curb appeal and value to your home.