Take a look at some before and after pictures from a few recent jobs in Meeion, PA. No matter how dirty vinyl siding and concrete is we can help. To set up a free estimate call us 215-703-8306 or fill out our online form. Click on the images below to enlarge them or visit our portfolio page for additional before and after pictures.
Take a look at some before and after pictures from a few recent jobs in Eagleville, PA. No matter how dirty vinyl siding and concrete is we can help. To set up a free estimate call us 215-703-8306 or fill out our online form. Click on the images below to enlarge them or visit our portfolio page for additional before and after pictures.
Take a look at some before and after pictures from a composite deck and stone and brick patio in Havertown, Pennsylvania.
Take a look at some before and after pictures from a vinyl siding and vinyl fence house in Eagleville, Pennsylvania.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
This residential composite deck in Blue Bell, Pennsylvania was dingy and dirty but after a few minutes of cleaning agent, hot water, and our commercial pressure washing machine, it went from old to new. Just take a look for yourself. To view additional before and after pictures of concrete patios and concrete porches please click here.
About J&J Powerwash
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.
This brick front porch in Blue Bell, Pennsylvania was dingy and dirty but after a few minutes of cleaning agent, hot water, and our commercial pressure washing machine, it went from old to new. Just take a look for yourself. To view additional before and after pictures of concrete patios and concrete porches please click here.
About J&J Powerwash
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.
J&J Power Wash just completed another composite deck this past week. In a matter of hours this green laden eyesore turned into the back yard delight it should be. Take a look at the before and after pictures from a job we did this past week. To view additional before and after pictures of concrete patios and concrete porches please click here.
Our Pressure Washing Equipment
Our trailer contains a hot pressure washing machine, a cold pressure washing machine and a 500 gallon water tank for those of you that do not have access to water. If you choose to hire a pressure washing contractor they should have a similar looking tank and machine. If they do not you may have not hired the right contractor.
The most important aspect and what makes our pressure washer different from those that are generally rented at a hardware store is the water temperature. Most commercial grade pressure washing machines have the ability to heat water up to 250 degrees to remove those tough stains that may require heat to dissolve like oil spills.
About J&J Powerwash
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.
Composite decks are less maintenance than your normal wood deck to keep clean. While they are more expensive they have a longer life expectancy and are more easy to maintain. Take a look at the before and after pictures from a job we did this past week. To view additional before and after pictures of concrete patios and concrete porches please click here.
Our Pressure Washing Equipment
Our trailer contains a hot pressure washing machine, a cold pressure washing machine and a 500 gallon water tank for those of you that do not have access to water. If you choose to hire a pressure washing contractor they should have a similar looking tank and machine. If they do not you may have not hired the right contractor.
The most important aspect and what makes our pressure washer different from those that are generally rented at a hardware store is the water temperature. Most commercial grade pressure washing machines have the ability to heat water up to 250 degrees to remove those tough stains that may require heat to dissolve like oil spills.
About J&J Powerwash
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.
