There are both cosmetic and preventative reasons to power wash your deck each year.
Wood that is sitting outside year round is subject to a high level of abuse which can cause graying, rot, and growth of mold, algae, or moss.
We recommend power washing your deck at least once a year. Spring is usually the best time because this is the time you want to start thinking about using your deck after a cold and snowy winter.
Graying
Graying wood is caused by constant exposure to UV radiation from the sun. The UV rays cause the breakdown of the woods surface fibers. The breakdown of these fibers provides an ideal environment for mold and mildew to grow.
By power washing your deck you can remove the surface breakdown and re-stain your deck so that your deck is better protected. Deck “greying” can become a problem from lack of maintenance, it can turn into structural issues.
Mold and Mildew
Mold and mildew is the green algae that grows on neglected decks. It is common in
Connecticut because of the high heat and humidity in the summer and the trees. Some decks never get a chance to dry with the sun.
Not only does mold cause problems cosmetically but can also cause structural issues. Power wash your deck to remove this surface mold. After the surface mold is removed there are preventative steps that you can take so that mold does not come back:
Sanding down low spots to keep puddles from forming
Adding a few coats of waterproof stain.
Splintering
A deck will begin to splinter when the boards become dry and weathered. Splinters are small fibers that can be very painful if stepped on or rubbed against.
Splintering is a common problem that in most cases be solved very quickly. A safe and simple solution to splintering is to remove that thin top layer of the deck boards, by power washing your deck you can remove the majority of splinters while increasing the look and durability of your deck.
Leave It to the Power washing Professionals
Although handy homeowners may be a strong urge to DIY (do-it-yourself), without the proper equipment and experience, you can damage your deck. Power washing seems
simple, but without experience in power washing you could cause low spots in your deck where mold, mildew, and rotting could occur.