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Answers to the most frequently asked deck maintenance questions from The Deck Protection Experts: Q: My deck is new. When should I seal it? A: Contrary to popular belief, waiting 6-12 months is not necessary and can actually damage the wood. To test whether your deck is ready to be sealed, splash it with water. If the water penetrates the surface, it's time to seal the wood. You should always clean your deck before sealing it to kill any mildew spores in the wood. Q: I've heard conflicting information...Is bleach the best cleaning formula for my deck, or is it bad for the wood? A: Bleach is an effective cleaner for mildew -- and little else. Products that are bleach-based have the chemical name sodium hypochlorite or calcium hypochlorite. Bleach-based products are not effective at all for removing surface debris and ground-in dirt. Bleaching a deck will not remove dirt, surface debris or the graying of the wood. Bleach tends to cause the deck to turn a silvery color. Bleach products are also known to cause faster graying of the wood, and finishes tend not to last as long as they should. DeckTechs PDC Premium Deck Cleaner is a safe, effective, thorough cleaner that contains no bleach. Q: Why do I need to clean my deck with a cleaner before sealing it? A: Your deck is constantly exposed to the elements of nature as well as airborne dust and debris. Without a good washing, you would just be sealing in that dirt and debris. A good cleaner like DeckTechs PDC Premium Deck Cleaner will remove mildew, algae and the graying of the wood (which washing with high-pressure water alone cannot). Q: What should I look for in a good deck maintenance contractor? A: Helpful hints in choosing a deck maintenance contractor:
• Be sure the company and its employees are fully insured, as DeckTechs is. • Ask for references. Deck Techs has served the Greater Cincinnati Area since 1992, and is happy to provide references in your area. • Ask questions about the products and processes to be used on your deck. • Review all price estimates. Estimates that seem too high or too low should send up a "red flag". • Be sure the contractor is professional, knowledgeable, prompt & courteous. • Beware outrageous claims & promises. Follow the sound advice that if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Q: Why do you apply only one coat of PDF wood finish…Wouldn’t two be better? A: Actually, a second coat of wood finish is neither necessary nor recommended. Because Deck Techs PDF Premium Deck Finish is a penetrating finish with a high solids content, only one coat is needed. A second coat would actually cause a buildup, which appears shiny and feels tacky. This buildup would form a film that would eventually crack and blister. As a matter of fact, the first coat would begin to repel the second coat. If some shininess occurs, rub xylene (found in most paint and hardware stores) on the shiny area.
If you have additional deck care questions, please call (513) 931-0700 or email The Deck Protection Experts at DeckTechs. Get a Free Estimate today! For a FREE ESTIMATE on having DeckTechs professionally clean & seal your deck, patio, concrete, stone, brick pavers and/or fence, please call (513) 931-0700 or click here.
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