Each deck requires – after a shorter or longer period of use – repair and/or renovation. The way repair work is carried out depends mainly on the deck’s design and the type of defects. The life span of a deck depends on the material from which it is made, the professionalism of the deck contractors during initial construction, and the amount of care put into its preservation. However, even a well-designed, constructed, and maintained deck, sooner or later will require some sort of improvement, due to the fact that it is a part of the house that, apart from the roof, is the most exposed to adverse weather conditions.
A Good Diagnosis Is Key
There is no single method of deck repair – the scope and type of work will vary depending on the condition, construction, and the types and causes of damage. Therefore, any work should begin with a proper diagnosis – on your own or with the help of a professional deck contractor in Chicago. It is worth determining whether the origin of these damages lies in the construction errors or whether deck refinishing is necessary due to normal wear and tear over time.
A meticulous inspection of the entire deck construction is aimed at locating and identifying all damages. If, for example, individual boards are in need of repair – they may need replacing, which should be done by professional deck builders. If, on the other hand, the damage is only superficial, deck staining and deck cleaning are usually enough to protect it and improve its quality for the future.
Deck Board Replacement
Wooden deck renovation mainly consists of replacing the damaged boards or restoring the entire structure in case the damages are severe. Call a professional Chicago deck builder, who will be able to assess the condition of your wooden deck.
Decking boards can be considered healthy and suitable for further use if:
• the wood is hard and shows no signs of fungal decay. When tapping with a hammer, it makes a healthy, sonorous sound – the sound of decomposing wood being tapped is deaf and muffled;
• the surfaces of boards and joists are not inhabited by mosses, fungi, and mold;
• the joists are not corroded and are well connected to other wooden elements;
• the boards are not excessively cracked, stratified, or warped.
The condition of the joists should be carefully examined. Due to their emplacement, reduced airflow, and the presence of damp dust or soil in the deck cracks and underneath them, they are more exposed to fungus and pests than the floorboards. Board connections and joists are critical places that must be comprehensively inspected – they have the most favorable conditions for mold growth due to the capillary water that is retained at the junction of both elements. If the joists and deck floorboards are healthy, simply wash them with water and a brush or power wash, and stain deck for longer-lasting protection after drying.
Manual Deck Cleaning
Deck cleaning and refurbishing should always start with careful cleaning of the boards. Any dirt, such as sand or dust, must be removed along with any splinters protruding from the boards.
The decking boards can be cleaned with a pressure washer or a brush with stiff bristles and a hose. A pre-cleaned deck should be washed with a special deck cleaning detergent. That will remove any discoloration of the wood, stains, and grease, as well as brighten the boards, restoring their natural color.
The detergent is usually diluted with the appropriate amount of water indicated by the manufacturer and applied directly to the wood. However, in the case of stubborn stains or heavily soiled surfaces, it is recommended to apply a small amount of undiluted product. If a power wash is used, the prepared liquid should be poured into the washer’s tank, applied to the surface, and then, after about 5 minutes, washed out with clean water.
If deck cleaning is performed without the use of a pressure cleaner, the diluted liquid is applied to the surface of the boards, e.g. with a watering can or a garden sprayer. It must be left on the wood surface for about 5-10 minutes and then intensively cleaned with a brush with hard, stiff bristles. Finally, the cleaned surfaces should be rinsed with plenty of water. Particular attention when cleaning a wooden deck is required if the deck has grooved boards – the most dirt accumulates in their cavities.
Mechanical Deck Cleaning & Deck Staining Chicago
Sometimes it turns out that even a pressure washer cannot handle the dirt collected in the grooves of the boards. It is then worth consulting one of the professional deck cleaning and staining companies in your area.
Contact Branico Construction, if you’re looking for an experienced Chicago deck repair company that will deliver quality work and leave you with a deck that will look beautiful for many years to come. We use treatments and equipment that will effectively remove any debris, mold, grime, and graying and restore your deck’s former glow.
Removal of Old Coatings & Deck staining
Old decks with varnished boards must be sanded down to the raw wood. It is worth using a sander with sandpaper with the larger grain. After the old coating has been removed, you can proceed to smooth with a smaller sandpaper grain.
After sanding the decking boards, they must be thoroughly cleaned from any residual dust. Before staining, they should be rinsed with clean water and left to dry for about 36-48 hours.
Deck staining is time-consuming and requires experience. If you do not feel strong enough to do it yourself, leave it for the professionals.
As one of the most experienced deck refinishing companies in Chicago, we have specialized tools for precise cleaning of wooden structures and wood restoration. When choosing Branico Construction for your deck cleaning and staining job, you’ll deal with an expert Chicago deck builder that will inspect your deck and intervene immediately if any problems occur.
Let’s not forget that the basic step in the maintenance of wooden structures is their regular and proper care. Regular deck cleaning, we will reduce signs of wear and keep the surface looking clean, durable, and aesthetically appealing.