Decks

As you can see from the picture below it is quite simple to make your deck look new again. All it takes is a hot water commercial pressure washer, an experienced pressure washing contractor, and some time. If you have an old deck that has been beat up by mother nature give us a call. If you would like to see additional pictures just click on the portfolio link to the right.     Our Pressure Washer Our trailer contains a hot/cold pressure washing machine as well as 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...

There are two ways to pressure wash the siding on your house. The first is doing it yourself. The second is hiring a pressure washing contractor. If you choose the first way and do not own a pressure washing unit you can rent one for about $75 a day at your local hardware store. Keep in mind you may have to purchase chemicals separately. If you choose the second way make sure your contractor has either contractor insurance or pressure washing insurance. A powerwashing company will use a machine that is similar to the machine in the below picture. Our trailer contains a hot/cold pressure washing machine as well as a 500 gallon water tank for those of you that do not have access to water. 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. From here, it is a three step process. You spray on whichever chemical you choose (depends on the material you are pressure washing), scrub down any necessary areas, and spray clean. There is really not much too it. You just need to learn which chemical to use on which product. A shingled roof may need chlorine, an asphalt driveway may stronger bleach, while certain types of vinyl siding may need hot water only. 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...

Published: August 28, 2011 3:00 a.m. Transform backyard into haven Rosemary Sadez Friedmann | Scripps Howard News Service Not inclined to put in a fire pit? So how do you make your backyard patio a relaxing and fun refuge? According to experts, a good surface, good lighting, good seating, and good cooking and dining spaces are essential. And don’t forget the grill. Make Deck Inviting A crumbling, messy deck isn’t pretty. If your deck is made of wood and still in good condition, go ahead and power-wash it or sand and restain it. If it needs more repair than that, you might consider replacing it with a wood-alternative deck that won’t need that care every year or two. Some wood-alternative decks come in colors, so you can select one that fits your décor. Be careful with color, though. Neutral usually works best because an intense color might become annoying over time. If you have a concrete or brick patio, the power-washing can do wonders, as can a low-cost patterned outdoor carpet that defines a seating area or dining space. Mini-kitchen A complete outdoor grilling station can cook a full meal, and this full meal can be prepared while you and your family and friends are enjoying that wonderful backyard. It won’t even seem like work. A rolling two-shelved cart to get items from the house to the grill can add ease. Upgrade Seating For a comfortable outdoor haven, you are going to need to get rid of those folding patio chairs. They work in a pinch, but they certainly don’t make for that backyard-haven thing you’re going for. Select seating that is comfortable, and be sure the seating is of your liking and not simply something that is on sale. Sales are important, and now is the time to find end-of-season bargains, but don’t be drawn into purchasing simply by the price tag. Remember that you are creating your own personal vacation spot. Select furniture that is waterproof and won’t need sanding and staining or painting on a regular basis. Shed some Light Moveable table-top patio lanterns or flameless candles can provide ambience as well as light. So can lining paths, garden beds or patio edges with good-quality solar...

Sticky deck problem raises more questions Bill Burnett,Kevin Burnett Wednesday, August 31, 2011 Recently we published a response to a reader who had a problem with a sticky deck. It seems her handyman didn’t read the instructions on the sealer can and got carried away. In this case, more was not better. The sealer pooled and dried to a sticky film. We told our reader to give the spots a good scrubbing with acetone (lacquer thinner), rinse and finish with a light sanding. As often happens, a question begets more questions and different answers. Here’s what this column generated: Q: You mention redwood in your article. Our deck is cedar, which splinters a lot. I have had it power washed in previous years, but I think that might have made it worse. How would you treat a cedar deck? A: The same as a redwood deck. Power washing with no sealer makes for dried-out wood and splinters. Power-wash the deck, let it dry and apply a sealer. As we’ve said many times before, we’ve had good luck with Duckback and Preserva Wood products. ( www.preservaproducts.com and www.superdeck.com). Q: I saw your article and have a question: My deck is made from pressure-treated wood. In the past when I have applied deck stain, it looks great for a few months, then starts to wear off. By the next summer it looks as if it never penetrated the wood. Is that because the wood is pressure treated? Will the Preserva Wood or Duckback product do a better job than the product I have been using? A: If the product you have been using is deck stain, the answer is yes. Stain will not penetrate pressure-treated wood. Pressure-treated wood is infused with a chemical preservative under pressure to prevent fungus and insect damage. If you cut a piece of PT lumber and look at the cut end, you’ll see 1/16 inch to 1/8 inch of penetration of the preservative. This prohibits water and stain from penetrating. If you continue to stain, count on a yearly project. An old salt offered this suggestion: “An old boat trick for too much sealer (tung oil or urethane) applied to teak decks: Apply 90 percent rubbing...