Deck Washing FAQ
Q
How long will my deck be protected after it is sealed?
The amount of direct sunlight the wood receives will affect the longevity of the sealer. While the sealer will gradually lighten and fade over the years, each deck will be different. Most decks should last 18-24 months before retreating and fences every 3-4 years. If your deck is shaded or in a heavy construction area, a light soap and water cleaning once a year will brighten and improve the look of the flat surfaces.
The amount of direct sunlight the wood receives will affect the longevity of the sealer. While the sealer will gradually lighten and fade over the years, each deck will be different. Most decks should last 18-24 months before retreating and fences every 3-4 years. If your deck is shaded or in a heavy construction area, a light soap and water cleaning once a year will brighten and improve the look of the flat surfaces.
Q
What about my windows, plants, etc.?
From our window cleaning service, we have seen the large number of windows that have been over-sprayed with sealer from previous companies. Before we begin sealing your wood, we take the time to carefully cover the surrounding windows, plants, flowers, furniture, concrete, siding, etc. This is a crucial preparation step, because once the sealer has cured, it is very difficult to remove from the WRONG surfaces.
From our window cleaning service, we have seen the large number of windows that have been over-sprayed with sealer from previous companies. Before we begin sealing your wood, we take the time to carefully cover the surrounding windows, plants, flowers, furniture, concrete, siding, etc. This is a crucial preparation step, because once the sealer has cured, it is very difficult to remove from the WRONG surfaces.
Q
What about the items on my deck?
In general, we will try to remove as much as we can. However, since we often send only one technician, we might ask that you remove some items that would require two people. After the sealer is dried, which is normally 12-24 hours, you will be able to replace all of these items that were carefully placed near the deck.
In general, we will try to remove as much as we can. However, since we often send only one technician, we might ask that you remove some items that would require two people. After the sealer is dried, which is normally 12-24 hours, you will be able to replace all of these items that were carefully placed near the deck.
Q
Do we have to be home for the service?
With our specially designed equipment, you do not have to be home for any part of the service. All we need is a working outside faucet.
With our specially designed equipment, you do not have to be home for any part of the service. All we need is a working outside faucet.
Q
Do I have to use a colored sealer?
No, however, we recommend one. It is the colors that provide the UV protection necessary to fend off the sun's rays and slow the graying process. When selecting a color, remember that the darker the color, the longer the UV protection for your wood. Clear sealers are available, but remember that they will go to gray much quicker because of their lack of effective UV inhibitors. You capture the "natural" look of the wood right away with clear, but the gray returns much faster.
No, however, we recommend one. It is the colors that provide the UV protection necessary to fend off the sun's rays and slow the graying process. When selecting a color, remember that the darker the color, the longer the UV protection for your wood. Clear sealers are available, but remember that they will go to gray much quicker because of their lack of effective UV inhibitors. You capture the "natural" look of the wood right away with clear, but the gray returns much faster.
Q
Do I need to pay for the service ahead of time?
If you are paying by check, we ask for a deposit of 1/3 before the job begins. The remainder is due after the deck is sealed. If you are paying by credit card, we ask for a credit card number before the job begins. Your card number will be checked to see if it is valid, however your card will not be billed until the service is complete.
If you are paying by check, we ask for a deposit of 1/3 before the job begins. The remainder is due after the deck is sealed. If you are paying by credit card, we ask for a credit card number before the job begins. Your card number will be checked to see if it is valid, however your card will not be billed until the service is complete.
Q
What kind of training do your technicians have?
As part of a national franchise, our technicians have been trained by both the corporate office and by our local franchise. Just as we never recommend that a homeowner try the cleaning and sealing process of their deck for the first time, we never let our "new" technicians begin work before they have been properly trained. You have the comfort and assurance that comes with a national leader that our employees are trained to be "deck experts".
As part of a national franchise, our technicians have been trained by both the corporate office and by our local franchise. Just as we never recommend that a homeowner try the cleaning and sealing process of their deck for the first time, we never let our "new" technicians begin work before they have been properly trained. You have the comfort and assurance that comes with a national leader that our employees are trained to be "deck experts".
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