Wooden decks, raised patios, and balconies are gracious extensions of the interior of our homes. Yet as part of the outside, they are constantly exposed to rain, snow, and extremes of temperature. They can accumulate dirt and grime and mold. Cleaning a deck is relatively simple with the proper tools and chemicals, but it’s not a job that many homeowners relish.
Actually, this situation can be a business. In that case, it is deck cleaning service. It works to clean the dirt, stains, and mold from wooden decks and balconies. It also makes minor repairs to wood surfaces, and applies water sealer and tints. Deck cleaning is typically limited to the warm weather months, and demand may be highest in late spring and early summer. Some detergents are extremely caustic and may be dangerous to pets and some plants; you may need to protect against overspray and take care in your cleanup after the job is completed. There may be local regulations on the storage and use of these chemicals. Some decks may already have rot or other damage that should be repaired before cleaning and coating is performed. You may want to have a relationship with a carpenter who can perform such work. Power washers do a good job of blasting out debris between the cracks and cleaning the surface of the deck, but an overly strong spray can also damage the wood. Water-repellent coating chemicals need to be applied when temperatures lie within a specific range and the deck will need to be protected from humans and pets while it is drying.
