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American
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is your
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#1 trusted source in Shreveport/Bossier City/Minden and surrounding
towns and parishes for deck restoration; deck rejuvenation; deck
repairs; deck cleaning; deck staining and sealant application, deck
building/installation; plaster repairs;
historic
home
restoration; interior painting and exterior painting;
complete
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drywall/sheetrock installation/hanging, drywall/sheetrock taping and
floating/finishing, drywall/sheetrock texturing, drywall/sheetrock
repairs; garage makeovers/garage floor coating; ceramic
tile flooring; engineered wood flooring installation;
carpentry/carpentry repairs
and
much, much more.
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HOW
TO GIVE YOUR DECK A NEW LEASE ON LIFE
Looking
back
when your deck was first installed and
officially
commission for fun under the sun; it looked great and everybody loved
it-- it seemed. Friends, family and neighbors couldn't get enough of
soaking up fun, food and relaxation on your deck. It couldn't help but
make you feel
good seeing your favorite people laughing
and talking and just having a real good time.
Now that time has past and a few years have come and gone since your
deck was installed; it's hard to believe that this is the same deck
that you had just a few years ago. How can it be? Mildew,
mold, dirt,
cooking grease, black spots, compost, twigs, leaves, and of
course--bird droppings have all but covered it up. Man! its
enough to make you want to throw up
your hands and holler. Your beloved deck has gone the way of 'ghost
towns' back in the 19th century.
But just hold on a minute there--not so fast, your deck, as bad as it
is, can be given a new lease on life in most cases... and you can give
it that new lease
on life yourself. I have been cleaning decks
now
for over a
decade
and I have spent a considerable amount of
time
examining them as well
as cleaning, sealing, repairing, and studying them. And I'm going to
share with you the best of what I have learned to help bring your old
deck back to life once again. So let's get started kid.
Examining
Your
Deck
Before
you even
think about doing something to your deck you should first take a few
moments to look your deck over thoroughly and make a mental notation of
all its irregularities: damaged/rotten boards, missing boards, as well
as rails and posts. Take
a closer
look at areas that have succumbed to fungi; mildew; mold and
compost, also, look for obvious spots that have faded due to ultra
violet rays that come directly from the sun. It's just a good idea to
see what you're up against before you commence to cleaning your
deck...at least that's how I do it and if I need to write this
observation down on paper for future reference then so be it.
Preparation:
Step
One
The
first thing
I like to do on my deck restoration
project is to get a
large push broom and a regular sweeping broom and remove all debris off
the deck. Leaves, twigs, grass, tree branches and whatever else might
be there; I sweep them up and put them in large contractors' trash bags
to be discarded later. Make sure the deck is free of all
debris before you proceed to the next step. At this point if you see
any damaged or rotten boards now is the time to remove them and
replaced them with similar boards, and the same goes for posts and
railings if applicable.
It would be inconceivable to think of
refinishing your deck without removing/replacing damaged and rotten
boards that are not only unsightly but down right dangerous as well. So
make an all out effort to locate and remove damaged boards that are not
suitable and sound enough for continued use.
Preparation:
Step
Two
With
the deck
free of all debris and all the rotten/damaged boards have been repaired
or preferably replaced, we are ready to begin step two of our deck
preparation project, which brings us to pressure
washing.
I whole heartedly believe that in order to do a very good job cleaning
your deck you must have a quality pressure washer that can deliver
about 1500 psi (pounds per square inch) all the while delivering about
3.5 to 4.0 gallons of water per minute. A good quality pressure washer
like this
can be rented from your neighborhood rental store.
Or you might be able
to find a machine like this at a nearby home improvement center that
rents pressure washers also. If you're uncomfortable using a machine
like this then by all means hire a contract cleaner to do it for you.
Prices are ever dropping lower and lower these days, so call a few up
in your area and have them to come over and give you a free quote on
cleaning your deck. But if you are of the persuasion "I'll do it
myself" genre then let's continue on.
Before
you
begin pressure washing your deck make
sure all and I mean
all safety
rules and regulations are in observance. Follow all
manufacturers' instructions when it comes to operating their equipment.
If you're unfamiliar with the correct way of operating the pressure
washer then don't hesitate to ask the rental personnel for
assistance...and if they can't assist you call the manufacturer and
speak to a representative there that can help you. Pressure washers can
be a deadly weapon that maim and destroy life within a blink of an
eye. So make sure you get all the information and instructions on how
to operate the pressure washer safely and correctly.
Protecting
Plants and shrubs
Make sure all
plants, shrubs and flowers are fully
protected before
you begin washing your deck down. Make doubly sure the kids and the
pets are completely out of the way before you begin. Be ever vigilant
and always glance around you constantly to see if anyone or anything
has wondered into your work area, if so, quickly stop the machine until
your work area is clear again; then and only then are you ready to
proceed forward.
Pressure washing your deck is not a complicated task at all but you
must be focused and alert to what you're doing. You must be careful not
to damaged the wood by holding the spray wand to close to the surface
and also holding it in one spot to long. I want to reiterate that
point: do not hold your spray wand in one spot to long, if you do you
will risk damaging/destroying the wood. So when washing your deck make
sure you keep the spray wand moving in a systematic manner
without staying in any one spot too long. This is crucial in preserving
your wood.
Choosing
Stripping, Stains and Sealing Products
When
it comes to
cleaning your deck there are a number of products on the market that
you can purchase that will and do work very well. There are a number of
manufacturers that make complete deck care products and most of them
sell through home improvement centers, hardware stores and even large
chain
discount stores as well.
Your local paint store
should be a good
reference point for picking-up every thing you'll need to clean and
seal your deck. But whatever products you choose to use just make sure
you do not rely on brute power from the pressure washer to remove
stains and so forth. Brute force from your pressure washer is the
surest way to completely destroy your deck! So please take my advice
and purchase quality deck care products to avoid permanently damaging
your deck.
If your
deck had an opaque, semi-transparent or transparent stain
applied on
it previously you will need to strip it off before you can proceed
forward. Depending on the type of wood your deck is made from, there is
a stripping product that is made to best strip that particular type of
wood. For example, if your deck is made from redwood as opposed to pine
then you will do well to purchase a stripper that is more conducive to
stripping redwood.
Manufacturers' like Wolman and others have specific
products designed to strip different types of wood. As I stated
earlier, there are a number of manufacturers that have really good
products to help you give your deck a good cleaning and a beautiful
finish in the end. Just take the time to visit the stores and outlets I
mention earlier, and be sure to ask all the questions you
need to ask.
Your
pressure
washer should come equipped with a
chemical injector
already connected to the pressure washer; however sometimes you have to
ask to get one. There's no extra charge usually but sometimes they'll
forget to include it. If it doesn't come (engineered) with a chemical
injector then you will probably have to use a garden sprayer, or
pump-up sprayer to dispense the deck stripper.
Stripping
the Deck
Whatever method you end
up using just make sure you cover the deck adequately with the stripper
and allow it to soak into the deck surfaces for about ten to fifteen
minutes before you begin rinsing it off. When you begin rinsing it off
be sure not to apply to much pressure to avoid damaging the wood. It is
paramount that you avoid damaging the wood; after all, this would
defeat the very purpose for which you started this project in the first
place. Here again, caution is the operative word so work smart and
stay alert.
With all that old stain and sealant removed your deck should be looking
fresh and clean again. The wood's grains should be showing again, and
there should be a fresh clean smell in the air. I know that you can
hardly believe your eyes, but quality stripping products not only
remove old coatings but they actually clean and revitalize your deck
too! Although you're elated with the way things are turning out thus
far, there still is much more work to be done to complete this job. But
before we proceed you should allow your deck to completely dry before
you begin the next step. Now is a good time to pull out the old grill
and fire up some ribs and hind quarters! Where are the cokes? Go
on--kick back awhile and relax; your work is looking good and you
deserve a break right now. But remember, no grilling on the deck...at
least not just yet anyway. That's just around the corner, so take a '48
hour' break and kick your heels up.
Coating
Application: Step Three
When
it comes
to coating your deck there are a number of choices that are suitable
for
restoring your deck. As I mention earlier: there are solid-color
stains; semi-transparent stains; transparent stains, and even toners
that are available to give your deck a quality finish. And if all else
fails painting your deck is still a viable option too.
a)
Solid
Color Stains: this coating is
nothing more than a diluted paint. It generally comes in a latex
version as well as an oil base version. Solid color stains are more
durable when it comes to deck coatings with the exception being paint.
However, solid color stains do not allow for the wood grain to show
through and for some people that is the beauty of having a wood deck to
begin with.
b) Semi-Transparent
Stains: these type of stains
have some degree of colorant in them, yet when applied you are still
able to see the grain of the wood somewhat. And it withstands ultra
violent rays better than stains that do not have any pigmentation at
all. It has a slight tint that some find to be just what the doctor
ordered. Again, most of these coatings are
available in latex and oil--except for in the state
of California. In California only the latex version is available due to
environmental issues.
c) Transparent
Stains:
When it comes to beautiful decks these are the type of stains that
readily comes to mind. Transparent stains allow the beauty and the
character of the wood to show through without any hindrance whatsoever.
In my opinion there isn't another coating that brings to life
old decks like this one does. But it has one big drawback: this type of
coating is more susceptible to damage from ultra violent rays than any
other coating. In other words, it has the shortest life span and
requires the most maintenance and upkeep. If you choose to have this
coating applied on your deck be warned that it is a high maintenance
coating, but there isn't another coating on the market that can
highlight and reveal the true character of your deck like this one can.
I love seeing the results when I apply a transparent stain on a deck.
d) Toners:
these are sealants with a touch of pigmentation or colorant in them. It
gives your deck a slight hue while avoiding a full color appearance.
Toners also comes in oil base or latex.
e) Paint:
Sometimes decks can be allowed to go beyond restoration, that is, the
cost in restoring the deck would be equalivent to or exceeding the cost
to rebuild a new one. When it reaches this point you might even
consider painting your deck to delay or post pone the cost of having a
new deck built. Painting your deck ordinarily shouldn't even be an
option on the table, but under some dire circumstances it might be the
only option available.
f)Sealants:
Once your deck has been thoroughly cleaned and/or stained
you are ready for your last and final application. In order to help
preserve your new looking deck you must apply a sealant that will help
guard and protect it from the elements and every thing else that will
begin attacking it as soon as you're finished. A quality sealant is
worth its weight in gold and I don't say that lightly. Your deck must
be protected from moisture, mildew, mold and so much more and I'm
telling you a quality sealant with two applications or more on your
deck can do just that... and even more. If you decide to only
apply one coat just make sure you do it liberally and get as much
sealant on the wood as you possibly can.
Conclusion
Giving your deck a new lease on life can be accomplished by most
serious minded weekend warriors who have the patience and the desire to
strip, clean, finish and seal their very own deck. There is a wealth of
information over the internet that can assist you in this particular
endeavor.Your resolve to get it done along with quality information and
of course the right tools and equipment is all you'll need to tackle
this project. In closing, just allow me to say that I love bringing old
decks back to life, and I never cease to be amazed at the
transformation from old to new again. And I'm confident that you can do
a good job as well, so here's to you...and I wish you nothing less than
complete success and have a great summer as well.
If you reside in the
Shreveport/Bossier City/Minden area feel free to contact us at American Painting and
Pressure Cleaning, Inc.
for your kitchen makeover project. We offer carpentry repairs; kitchen
cabinets staining and varnishing;
kitchen
cabinets painting; exterior
(doors) staining and varnishing;
deck
restoration and rejuvenation; pressure
(washing)
cleaning; drywall (sheetrock)
finishing; drywall (sheetrock)
installation; drywall
(sheetrock)
texturing; drywall (sheetrock)
repairs; popcorn ceiling
removal; plaster
restoration and plaster repairs;
historic home restoration
and repairs plus flooring.
We are also
interior residential (house) painters
as well as exterior
residential (house) painters and
so much more. For almost thirty years we have been providing homeowners
and commercial property owners with quality craftsmanship along with
down home friendly service. Thanks,Don
| American
Painting
and Pressure Cleaning, Inc.
proudly servies Bossier Parish, Haughton
La., Benton La., Plain Dealing La., Webster Parish, Minden La., Cotton
Valley La., Sarepta La., Shongaloo La., Springhill La., Cullen La.,
Heflin La., Dubberly La., Sibley La., Doyline La., Claiborne Parish,
Haynesville La., Homer La., Lisbon La., Athens La., Bienville Parish,
Gibsland La., Arcadia La., Lincoln Parish, Simsboro La., Grambling La.,
and Ruston La.
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Disclaimer:
The author of this article and any and all other articles
written by him assumes no responsibility for any injuries or worse
resulting from the content of this article or any other article he has
written. Please consult a reputable contractor in your area. Thank you.
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