How to Clean a Wood Deck

Wanting to pressure wash your deck but scared of doing it yourself? Watch the video below!

Tips on Deck Cleaning

  1. Remove debris from between deck boards using a putty knife paying close attention to the areas where they cross over the deck joists
  2. Protect all shrubs and plants by covering with plastic sheeting or tarp
  3. Sweep the deck well
  4. Choose an appropriate cleaning agent depending whether your deck is made of wood, composite or vinyl
  5. If you are planning on sealing or painting your deck wait at least two days

DIY Deck Cleaning Video

Before & After Pictures

Deck Washing 101 How to Clean a Deck

J&J Power Wash

If you choose to go the second way and like the before and after photos pictured above please contact us at 215-703-8306 to setup a free estimate. We offer pressure washing, powerwashing, window cleaning and graffiti removal in the Greater Philadelphia area. To learn more about how to pressure wash please visit our blog.

Wood Deck Maintenance includes Pressure Washing

According to a recent article by Steve Ferris, a local writer for HeraldStandard.com, all outdoor decks should be cleaned every spring and wood decks should be refinished quite regularly in order for them to last as long as possible. Depending how long you have been self-educating on do-it-yourself projects you have probably read conflicting opinions and ideas on how to properly treat your deck, porch and fences. Should you clean them every year? Should you sand and stain them every year? When do you seal wood decks and fences? When should you do-it-yourself and when should you hire a professional?

The answer to all of these questions… it depends. Pat Ballon, owner of Brownsville Do It Best Hardware in Redstone Township, in Fayette County, Pennsylvania believes all decks should be cleaned and pressure washed regardless of whether it is made of wood, composite or vinyl. The term Spring Cleaning is around for a reason and it does not apply to just the inside of your home. Late March and early April is a great time to wash your deck and knock off any loose pieces that may be flaking or chipping from the harsh Winter. 

Pressure washing your deck will also remove any mold or mildew that has survived the ten plus snow storms Pennsylvania residents lived through this year. If you want to learn additional Spring Cleaning powerwashign tips, check our previous articles. One thing to keep in mind is that wood deck cleaning detergents like trisodium phosphate helps not only remove dirt, algae and mold but helps keep them from returning longer than household bleach. After pressure washing and sanding the wood you should wait at least one day before applying stain or sealant. 

Stains and sealants will help wood avoid water penetration. Unfortunately, many homeowners will use the less expensive brands, which may only last one or two years before another coat needs to be applied. A higher quality sealant will often last three to five years. One last piece of advice, NEVER use paint on a deck. Paint is not made to penetrate or seal wood, nor withstand foot traffic.

Snow Salt Leaving White Residue?

When it rained or snowed this Winter did you use a de-icer, ice-melt or an anti-icer. Did it come in a box or bag. Was it a solid, liquid, granular, flakes, pellets, pearls or a powder. Was its main ingredient Sodium Chloride, Magnesium Chloride, Calcium Chloride, Potassium Chloride, Sodium Accetate or Liquid Glychol? At this point it does not really matter. It is no secrete Philadelphia and New Jersey has had a pretty harsh winter but Spring is just around the corner and the weather is clearing up. What does matter is getting rid of the white residue and salt that still remains after all the ice and snow has melted.

Snow

Not cleaning your property of the ice melt and rock salt is not only an eye sore on the outside of your property but it can potentially damage your floors and carpeting inside your property if not taken care of properly. Calcium chloride and magnesium chloride ice melts leave behind an oily residue that can damage urethane or wax finishes used on wood floors. The oily residue can be slippery on smooth floors and can attract dirt on carpets. If never removed, either type of product may eventually harm wood floors by drawing out natural moisture, causing splintering, or lead to dry rot issues in carpets and rugs.

Obviously, the best way to prevent ice melt damage is to prevent it from being tracked into the building by using mats on both sides of the door. And, since we do not recommend pressure washing during the winter months, it sets us up from Spring Cleaning. Until then you should vacuum carpets and/or mop flat surfaces regularly. In a couple of weeks when all the ice and snow is gone, give us a call.

Harsh Winter… Spring Cleaning

With this seemingly never ending harsh Winter property owners should prepare themselves for a thorough Spring Cleaning over the next several weeks. The snow, sleet, rain and hail from the handful of storms that shocked the Northeast over the past few months combined with freezing temperatures may have a residual effect on the exterior of  your properties, walkways, roofing, and driveways if not cleaned properly.

The sub-zero temperatures have led to tons and tons of rock salt and other ice melting chemicals to be spread throughout public walkways, streets and highways as well as residential sidewalks, driveways, and streets. While the melting products being used seemingly worked wonders to get rid of the ice and snow, they not only can easily damage your cement and asphalt, but can spread to other areas of your property like decks and porches because of natural foot traffic.

If you rent or own a commercial property that is in a high traffic area or you have a parking lot or loading dock in which a high volume of vehicles pass through on a daily basis, the puddles of rain, snow and slush can become airborne and spread to other parts of your property including your building. And while my intention is not to scare you I would like you to be made aware that the salt and ice melting products could have the same corrosive effects on your building as they have on walkways.

We’ve all seen the white residue that remains shortly after the snow melts ruin a carpet or two of your local convenient store. If you have used rock salt or other ice melting products and think you are in need of pressure washing give us a shout!

Tips to Spring Clean your Deck and Patio

How to Spring Clean your Deck or Patio

With warm weather just around the corner (hopefully) we are quickly approaching Spring Cleaning, that time of year you forget about the harsh winter and get ready for Summer. Regardless of weather you are having people over for St Pattys Day in March, Cinco de Mayo in May or 4th of July in July, it is never to early to dust off your outdoor furniture, wipe off cushions, clean flower pots and pressure wash your deck or patio.

Many homeowners we deal with will take care of cleaning their outdoor furniture as a do-it-yourself project and then call us in to handle the cleaning of the deck or patio. What you should keep in mind is that most powerwashing contractors can clean your outdoor furniture and cushions and will usually do so for a small additional charge. So, if you are planning on getting hiring a pressure washer for your patio or deck have the contractor come in for free quote and ask the additional cost for your furniture. If you decide to take on both projects on your own, read over the tips below.

Deck & Patio Cleaning Tips

  • if renting a pressure washer read the operator’s manual and instructions as some surfaces require less or more pressure than others
  • always wear closed-toed shoes and goggles as most pressure washers can cut through skin easily
  • different surfaces require different cleaning products and different cleaning techniques so choose accordingly
  • never spray near power lines, service feeds or electrical meters
  • grip pressure washing gun with both hands to avoid a kickback injury

Buying & Renting Tips

  • look for a pressure washer that is versatile and can be used for a variety of tasks
  • a good pressure washer will have both a high pressure and low pressure mode for different tasks
  • newer pressure washers offer lower emissions and better fuel efficiency
  • choose a model that outputs at least 2.5gpm if you are pressure washing any concrete
  • models are categorized in groups based upon usage frequency types of products and surfaces they are best suited for cleaning

Pressure Washing in Low Clearance Areas

While it is not too common we receive calls from time to time asking for a free pressure washing estimates on areas with a low clearance. You probably do not have to worry about this is you live in a residential area but there are plenty of commercial areas that have height limits. Most people do not notice low clearance areas but nearly every parking garage we were ever asked to clean is no taller than 8 feet and most box trucks are no shorter than 10 and a half feet. This is why having a trailer is pretty much crucial if you need a parking garage pressure washed.

trailer

truck

 

Preventing Ice Dams in the Winter

While a snow covered roof with hanging icicles can be a thing of beauty, a leaky roof and damaged gutters are not. If damage to your home or business isn’t a good enough deterrent, icicles kill roughly 15 people in the United States each year, according to the Death in Society Research Foundation.

Icicles are nothing more than the result of buildup of ice on your roof and in your gutters. Without going into too much detail ice dams are formed when part of the roof is warm enough to melt snow, which trickles down to parts of the roof are cold enough to freeze the runoff water. You will see this frequently if your home as an overhang or eave that extends further than your siding.

So why is this bad? Well, when water freezes on your eaves it can start freezing water higher and higher up on your roof line. If the water freezes under your shingles it can damage your roof, sheathing and in some cases your attic. A simple prevention is sweeping the built-up snow off of your roof. Unfortunately, you would have to do this every time is snows and if your roof is high who wants to deal with ladders in the freezing cold? And surely you do not want to call a ice dam removal contractor every time it snows.

Temporary Ice Dam Solutions

One solution that is only temporary is to install heat tape along the the surface of your roof in a wavy pattern. This will melt the snow and allow the water to run off. The problem is this fix is only temporary. You may read that axes and chisels work but again this is only a temporary fix and you may end up damaging the material under the ice.

The best way to prevent ice dams is to keep the attic cold in the first place. This way no heat being lost from your home to your attic can melt the snow on your roof. Insulation like spray foam is probably your best bet. But again if your house allows heat to get to your attic it may not work properly.

ice dams

Logically, you would think that you would want to keep your attic warm so snow and ice melts instantly but this is not the case. Proper airflow from the aforementioned eaves up through the attic is a sure fire way to prevent ice dam formation. Adding a fan in an attic window can go a long way.

Permanent Ice Dam Prevention Steps

  1. Ventilate your eaves and ridge with continuous soffit vents
  2. Cap or seal your attic hatch or entrance
  3. Make sure any ducts that connect to the kitchen or bathroom are exiting outside
  4. Add insulation like spray foam
  5. Install sealed can lights if you have recessed lighting between the attic and floor below
  6. Add flashing and/or caulk around your chimney and ducts
  7. Add caulk around any cables that run into the roof or attic

Removing Ice Dams in the Winter

First off, there is a big difference between a steamer and a hot water pressure washer. They both heat up regular tap water up but a pressure washer takes longer to get the job done and can easily damage roof shingles. A high temperature pressure washer, depending on the manufacturer can heat water temperature up to 250 degrees. The problem is most commercial hot water powerwashers output at least 5 gallons of water per minute. A steamer on the other hand will heat water up to 300 degrees an outputs less than one gallon of water per minute. This allows the steamer to cut into the ice dam so you can remove large chunks of ice at one time.

If you come across this article you are probably trying to educate yourself on how to remove ice dams from your roof and gutters. You probably came across several other articles that refer to mechanical methods, which are tools you can use to alleviate the situation. While we would not recommend tackling a job like this on your own, ice dam removal contractors may use chain saws, sand blasters, hammer, axes, screw drivers and ice picks. You probably also came across articles referring to compound methods, which are chemical ingredients that can get the job done like salt, dry heat, ice melt, roof tablets, or calcium and magnesium. You may have even come across bizarre methods like heat cables and blow torches.

Well, the problem with compounds is if you are inexperienced you can damage your roof or gutters. Most of the compounds like salt and roof tablets are meant to prevent ice dams, not get rid of them. If you are even successful in getting roof tablets up on your roof (through a window or with a ladder I imagine) it is difficult to have them remain in once place. Remember, you are putting them on ice so they can easily slide off. The problem with blunt objects like axes and ice picks is that you can easily damage whichever material is under the ice. The same can be said about heat cables in addition to the obvious safety hazards involved. As per one instance in which I came across someone using a blow torch to melt an ice dam, this is just crazy. You can melt whatever is under the ice dam whether it is your roof or your gutter. 

So what does all this mean? It means you should educate yourself on how to prevent ice dams so you don’t have to worry about getting rid of them. And, if you come across an ice dam you should call in an expert pressure washing or ice dam removal contractor who has experience.

Why is Deck Cleaning and Sealing Important?

At least once a week we will be asked by a homeowner to pressure wash a wooden deck. Before I even ask the size of the deck I fire right back with questions of my own, “Are you planning on sealing and staining it when we are finished?” Now you may think I ask this so we can piggyback services contracting services and make a few extra bucks off of one customer. Truth is we do not even offer deck sealing and staining so if pressure washing and staining are the only services you are looking for we will save you time and refer you to another pressure washing and deck staining company in your area. 

While it seems like these services would go hand in hand we would rather refer you to a painting and staining specialist who not only has experience with pressure washing wooden decks but also sanding and staining. Unfortunately, it can get a bit expensive if you want it done correctly. This is because it is not generally a one day process. Most contractors will recommend pressure washing the first day and sanding and staining the next day.

Why is Sealing or Staining Important

At this point you may be asking yourself why sealing or staining a wooden deck or fence is important. Depending which source you read approximately half of residential homes in the United States have at least a wooden deck, siding, fence or roof. While this number may be declining in recent years due to the increased usage of composite materials like vinyl siding, composite decks and vinyl fences the point is there are a significant number of homeowners that still have some form of wooden materials used on the property.

You probably know that rain, snow, and other precipitation can wear down natural wood and cause cracks, fading and in some cases mold and mildew. Over time sun light will cause fading in wood decks and fences. And, if you see some form of mold or dirt growing it will most likely not disappear on its own. Staining or sealing your deck can prevent all of these things at least for some period of time.

Cleaning Product to Use

Many homeowner will use a household bleach to prepare a deck or fence for staining and while this is a major component that any pressure washing contractor will use it should not be the only agent used. Phosphoric acid can remove aging, oxalic acid can remove rust stains, and citric acid can be used on harder woods. If you are unfamiliar with what type of wood your deck is made of or it looks like too big of a job to tackle on your own contact an expert.

If you decide to take on the job yourself make sure you do not use high pressure. The cleaning agents are supposed to do most of the work. You will have to sand at least once, first with a lower grit paper and second with a higher grit paper for the fine look you are hoping for. If your deck was sealed previously, you will need to remove the existing finish with a stripper. You will probably have to sand the deck after this process as well.

Sealing your Deck

There is no one sized fits all sealant for all wooden decks in the world. There are different sealing agents used for the different types of wood on the market. Sure, you can buy the cheapest seal out there or the most expensive seal out there but odds are if you do a little research your money will go a long way. In many cases a homeowner will purchase the most expensive sealant on the market assuming that it HAS to work. But in my experience that is like putting a premium gasoline in a car that is built to take regular. Yes, it will probably work but you will be wasting money.

Choose the sealant that is best for you. A decent sealant will provide fading against sunlight and resistance against mold and mildew. You should wait at least 24 hours (read the manufacturers instructions) before applying any protective coating. Mix all of your sealants together before applying to ensure uniformity in both color and consistency for your deck or fence. Two coats are generally better than one but again refer to the manufacturers guidelines.

Can you Pressure Wash in the Winter?

We often get questioned on why we close up shop during the winter months. While I do not like having water hit my face and hands in October and November, it is not the reason pressure washing companies close up shop in our area between December and February. People often say “Well you have a hot water heater to heat up the water.” While this is is in fact true water still has the potential to freeze in the lines, hoses and water pump before the water reaches the hot water heater.

Sure, many pressure washing contractors like us here at J&J Power Wash have an enclosed box truck. Sure we can install electric heaters, pilot lights and heat lamps to protect water pumps. And sure, we can install recirculating water pumps in our water tanks to keep the water circulating throughout the day making it more difficult for the water to freeze. But what none of these things do is protect the homeowner or commercial property clients from several issues.

Let’s say we pressure wash a vinyl siding home in mid-January with temperatures expecting to be below freezing. If we get your siding looking brand new, which is not a guarantee because the chemicals we use to clean your home often do not work below a certain temperature, the water we use still has to go somewhere. Aluminum brighteners and acid washes do not work below 60 degree temperatures. What if it freezes on your siding or roofing and creates an ice dam and damages your home? What if we pressure wash your sidewalks and the water freezes and someone comes along and slips on your property? It is almost impossible for us to guarantee that we do not spray door locks and door jams on your property or break drums on commercial vehicles. These can freeze  and cause several issues.

It is for these reasons that we encourage homeowners and commercial property owners to wait until the weather breaks in late February or early March to have any pressure washing completed. While we probably would be able to make it work there is just too much risk involved to try.