|
Surface
Prep/Clean
Sand/Waterblast
Power Wash
Power Sand/Brush
Why Keep
Your Deck Clean?
Since Wood...
is often preferred for decks because of its appearance, stability and
durability. However, without proper protection along with an ongoing maintenance
program the deck will deteriorate and change color.
Homeowners believe in the
legendary magical deck. Although a deck is subject to the same climatic
conditions as the siding, windows and roof, etc., consumers often refuse to
acknowledge that a deck requires maintenance. Imagine your laundry on a
clothesline left to hang above your deck through a year of rain, wind, snow,
air-pollution, etc. Would the clothes remain clean and beautiful because they
were washed by the rain?
Likewise, would your once
beautiful deck beneath the clothesline remain free from the elements that damage
and change the appearance of the laundry? The average consumer somehow expects
the deck to look beautiful without on going maintenance.
People will wash their dishes,
vacuum their carpets, mow their lawns, wash their cars, etc. However, they
rarely maintain their decks! What kind of logic is this? In addition, consumers
allow abusive activities on their deck such as:
 | Household animals to
live and eat on the deck.
 | Recreational activities
including barbecue, family gatherings, sporting events, etc.
 | Household and auto
repairs. |
| |
The deck was meant for family
entertaining, consequently it often receives more abuse than the entire home.
Common sense dictates that one must spend time, effort and yes, money; if you
want to maintain the original appearance, the same as with your automobile.
Imagine a new $20.000. automobile in your driveway that has never been washed,
vacuumed or cleaned the windshield. Would that car always look new as a result
of being washed by rain?
When viewing a cut piece of wood
through a microscope. It appears as a honeycomb comprised of many
microscopically small cells. Whenever a honey comb is cut the entire surface has
open cells regardless of how carefully it is cut. Likewise, wherever a board is
cut, the surface will have cells which are exposed like little
"catch-basins." And in these basins the following three substances
will collect:
- Microscopic particles
(dust).
- Emissions (air
pollution).
- Pollens (present
everywhere).
Particles larger than the cells
will be blown away by wind or washed off by rain. Smaller particles will fall
into the cavity and become trapped by gravity. Air pollution has become another
contributing factor by creating an oily film on the surface, and by adding
natural occurring pollens to the equation, creates an environment for constant
maintenance. As a result, when the open cells are filled the color changes to
gray, which is the color of the combined dust, emissions and pollens.
 | Why does wood need protection?
- The forces of weather can be devastating to wood. Rain, snow, and
morning dew quickly absorbed by unprotected wood, causing it to swell.
When the sun's heat dries the wood, it shrinks. These cycles of wet and
dry, swelling and shrinking cause wood to warp, split, crack, become
discolored and unattractive.
 | Since my deck is pressure treated, does it still need protection?
- In most areas, over 80% of decks are constructed with pressure treated
wood, usually pine which has been injected with a chemical that protects
it against rot and termites. But pressure treating wood does not give it
weather protection. In fact, it actually makes the wood surface more
porous-even more susceptible to moisture damage.
 | How does JJ Moran Sr and Co determine costs of deck work and what to
use?
- Most of our prices are based on the square footage of the decks. This
includes rails, spindles, steps, etc.
-
|
| |
Back to :Restorations
Link to: Surface
Finishes
JJ
Moran Sr Co. Main Directory
This site is being developed and maintained by
JJMORAN Sr and
Company
Copyright © 2000, 2001 JJMoran Sr & Co.
|

|
|
Thanks to MK and Carl
J J
Moran Sr and
Company
Clinton Mass 01510
978 368 1559
Ma Toll Free 888 368 1559
|
|