The Chaddagh 

J. J. Moran Sr. and Co.

Contractors

Clinton Mass


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Surface Prep/Clean
Sand/Waterblast
Power Wash
Power Sand/Brush

               

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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:
bulletHousehold animals to live and eat on the deck.
bulletRecreational activities including barbecue, family gatherings, sporting events, etc.
bulletHousehold 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:

  1. Microscopic particles (dust).
  2. Emissions (air pollution).
  3. 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.
bulletWhy 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.

 

bulletSince 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.

 

bulletHow 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.
 

 

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Thanks to MK and Carl

J J Moran Sr and Company
Clinton Mass 01510 
978 368 1559
Ma Toll Free 888 368 1559