DECKS
CONTRACTORS REFERRAL SERVICE
Get cost estimates for decks from qualified pre-screened contractors.
- Deck or Porch - Build or Replace Includes wood, vinyl & other artificial woods.
- Deck or Porch - Repair Includes wood, vinyl & other artificial woods.
- Deck, Fence, Patio or Porch - Clean and Seal Includes powerwashing & application of sealant.
- Gazebo or Freestanding Porch - Build or Install Includes pre-fab, kit & custom built models.
- Gazebo or Freestanding Porch - Repair Includes adding accessories.
- Outdoor Play Equipment - Install Includes climbing, forts, jungle gyms, etc.
- Outdoor Play Equipment - Repair Includes cleaning, treating, tightening, repairs, etc.
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In less than 48 hours get up to 4 estimates from prescreened contractors!
Free Service - No Obligation - All Advantages
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Decking Tips
Most decks are made of wood and this is a good thing if the proper care is taken to protect it. There are wood structures still strong after 200 years and this is because the culprits of wood deterioration - mildew, insects, rot - were never allowed to set in.
Today we have many sealers and water repellents that can prevent water from staying on the wood either in the cracks or the joints. This will make the deck last for years
1. Protect Your Shrubs: Before applying any sealer put a tarp over any of your shrubs that happen to be in the area. Most sealers have harmful ingredients so take a bit of care with the areas you don't want exposed.
2. Don't Use Bleach: Some articles you read advocate the use of sodium hypochlorite, or chlorine bleach, as a wood cleaner but this does more damage to the wood than good. In addition it will not get the ground-in dirt. There are special cleaners which can lift dirt and weathered surface fibers. This will clean barbecue grease off as well.
3. Wood Test: Before coating the wood put a few drops of water on the surface. If it doesn't absorb in 20 minutes then the sealant will not be absorbed. Use a wood restoration product to clean this off or else the surface will look spotted when you stain.
4. Use Pigments: Any clear stains will not protect the wood from UV rays. having a pigmented stain will reflect these damaging rays.
5. Shady Characters: Areas exposed to shade for all or most of the day use a sealer with a fungicide preservative to prevent mildew and mold.
6. Hot, Hot, Hot: For extreme sunny conditions use an acrylic stain with iron oxide blockers or reflective pigments.
7. Large Mixes: Stains do not sit well for very long. The pigments tend to settle. Therefore mix several gallons together for the complete job and stir often. In this way you won't get a different tone on one end of the deck than the hue on the other.
8. Rain: This is important. Wait 24 hours after a rainfall.
9. Hot Sun: In areas of intense sun wait until the cooler part of the day to stain. Hot surfaces may produce a different hue than a part of the deck that is cool.
10. Don't Over-Stain: Wood will only absorb so much product at one time. To get an even finish treat the whole surface to the same amount of stain. If need be, do a second coat.
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