I just bought a house and the rear deck has been seriously neglected. It’s very badly weathered and has a thick green slimy build up on most of the horizontal surfaces. Is this savable or do I need to look into replacement?
Answer
Replacing a deck is extremely expensive. Assuming your deck is still structurally sound, applying the proper cleaners; power washing and brightening will restore the wood. Once it is restored sealing or staining will protect, preserve and beautify it.
Question?
I am considering having my house washed. Do you remove the shutters when you clean a house?
Answer
Normally, when we are performing a maintenance type wash where people are not repainting and just cleaning, we do not remove the shutters. However, the shutters are washed from different angles to remove dirt, bug nests and debris. If you are having your home power washed so as to prepare for repainting then we recommend removing the shutters. Some homeowners remove the shutters themselves but we do offer the service of removal, cleaning and stacking while performing a house wash.
Question?
I have a ton of spider webs and nests on the exterior of my home. Will power washing remove these?
Answer
Yes, this is a common problem, especially on homes around a water source like a lake or pond. Spiders put their webs where there is a good food source. Moths and bugs are attracted to lights around your home and the spiders. Avoid spraying bug spray on sidings to deter spiders from nesting. Certain sprays will permanently stain your siding a yellow or burnt orange color. This is a common problem on a lot of properties we clean.
Question?
Many decks sit under trees, and dropped twigs, leaves, needles and sap lodge between the deck boards. This crud looks bad and holds onto moisture that makes the deck slippery. What is the best way to remove this stuff between professional cleanings?
Answer
Use can use a dull saw — any size coarse-tooth saw will do — to either push or pull the crud out from between the boards. You'll help your deck breathe better and last longer by getting rid of this rot-promoting gunk. If stuff is really wedged in between you may have to place a small pry bar in and pry it slightly why you scrape the material out. You can remove any sap that has fallen onto the deck with turpentine, denatured alcohol or a heavy-duty stain remover available at most home centers and paint stores.
