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While a deck can add to the attractiveness and utility of your home,
it is far from a maintenance free addition. The proper maintenance is
necessary to protect the life and appearance of your deck.
It is a common misconception that pressure treated wood, which is the
wood most often used for decks, requires little maintenance. The
pressure treating process involves the injection of chromated copper
arsenate into the wood cells. Copper acts as a fungicide, while
arsenic is an insecticide. While these chemicals protect against
insects and fungus, they leave the surface vulnerable to the effects
of rain and sun. Even redwood and cedar, two other common woods used
for decks, can be damaged by the elements.
One of the most common consequences of exposure to rain and sun is
cracked wood. As water penetrates the wood cells, they expand. When
the water evaporates, the wood cells begin to shrink. Repetitive
expansion and contraction of the wood ultimately results in cracked
boards.
Newly installed wood should be protected as soon as possible. It is
not necessary to allow the wood to "weather" or "season". Unprotected
exposure to the elements, for even a few weeks, can result in damage
to the wood.
Please browse some before and
after pictures of fences and decks properly treated by AA&D Painting
Company.
Fence Before and After Powerwash
Fence After Powerwash and Stain
Fence Before
Fence After
Deck Before
Deck Stain in Progress
Deck After
Fence on Left After Powerwash
Fence After Powerwash and Stain
Beach Walkway
All work
completed by AA&D Painting Company
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Preventing water from penetrating the wood surface can greatly extend
the life of the wood, as well as add to its attractiveness. There are
many products on the market for protecting exterior wood surfaces.
These range from paints and stains, to clear wood preservatives and
water repellents. As is the case
when applying any type of coating, proper preparation is essential. A clean,
dry surface is necessary for proper adhesion. Proper preparation involves
removing dirt, mildew, stains and wood fibers damaged by UV light. If these
deposits are not removed prior to applying a finish, both adhesion and
appearance of the finish may be diminished.
Many products are available for cleaning decks and wood siding. Most can be
applied with a pump type sprayer or a mop. Most products on the market contain
either sodium hypochlorite (chlorine bleach) or oxalic acid, both of which can
damage wood fibers and actually lead to premature coating failure.
The most effective protection for decks occurs when the product penetrates the
surface. Film forming products, such as paints, lay on the surface of the wood
and have a tendency to blister, peel, and mar when used on horizontal
surfaces.
The three most common products for protecting decks are water repellents (also
called water sealers), clear wood finishes, and semi-transparent stains. The
first two products are generally clear, penetrating coatings. Semi-transparent
stains work much like water repellents, but also contain pigments to impart
color to the wood surface.
When selecting a coating for wood surfaces, three characteristics should be
considered: water repellency, mildew resistance, and weathering resistance.
Water repellency prevents moisture from penetrating the wood fibers and
causing the expansion and contraction of those fibers. Mildew resistance will
retard the growth of damaging mold spores. The higher quality products contain
UV blockers, which not only extend the life of the coating, but also prevent
UV damage to the wood fibers. UV damage usually causes a graying of wood
fibers.
With proper care, your deck can be an attractive and valuable addition to your
home for years. Choosing a contractor with the knowledge and skills to
properly prepare the surface and apply the proper products is the first step
in protecting the life and appearance of your deck. Always Affordable and
Dependable Painting Company is a Duron Products Certified Contractor.
Call (757) 631-1515 for free
estimates. |
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