J & J Pressure Washing Inc.
We can revive decks of all shapes and
sizes. Let us bring your deck back to life.
Even years of neglect can be restored
if caught in time
Deck, Fence and Pier Staining Charlotte, Greensboro, Huntersville, Mooresville and Central NC Since 2000
FACT: All exterior wood needs protection
The day you finish installing a deck, fence, pier or other wood structure is the day that trouble can start! Once your deck, fence, pier, etc. has finished being built is the day you need to have a stain or sealer applied to it. Morning dew, rainwater, melting ice and snow are quickly absorbed by unprotected wood, causing it to soften and swell. Direct exposure to the punishing heat from the sun causes wood to dry out and shrink. Continual, repetitious cycles of wetting and drying, swelling and shrinking can cause wood to eventually crack and check, or worse, split, cup or warp – all of which lead to premature wood degradation and expensive repair.
Surface Graying from Sun (UV) Exposure
Unprotected wood is also subject to a variety of other “damage”. Surface degradation caused by constant exposure to the sun’s harmful, ultra-violet rays is a common occurrence on decks, docks, fences and other outdoor wood structures. After consistent sun exposure over 1-3 years, the result is usually surface
“graying”. The gray color is indicative of wood fiber degradation on the surface, and this graying will grow darker as years of sun exposure take their toll. Like sun-burnt skin, the grayed surface layer is permanently damaged, and must be removed to get to the sound, healthy layers underneath.
A “grayed” surface not only signals the beginning of structural damage, it is often times considered unattractive by homeowners. In the case of Cedar and Redwood, this graying process can occur within 30 days.
If your deck, fence, pier, etc. is primarily exposed to the sun (which most are) then you should have a stain applied to it. A stain offers UV and water protection as where a clear sealer only primarily offers water protection. If your wood structure has bad graying problems then you should strongly consider using a stain. If you prefer a natural look and are afraid to have a stain applied then talk to a professional. Most professionals have a good variety of stain options to choose from. Anything from a lighter natural tone to darker exotic colors.
Wood Rot and Decay from Insect or Fungi Attack
Termites and other wood boring insects also can wreak havoc on wood that is not pressure treated, including all forms of pine, hemlock and fir, plus “new growth” Cedar and Redwood. These insects use wood for a food source, and eventually cause the wood to rot and decay.
Weather Exposure is Especially Tough on Decks
As horizontal surfaces, decks retain water, ice and snow for prolonged periods of time, accelerating damage to dimensional stability. The dampness attracts pollen and fungi spores which collect and cause ugly discoloration. And, decks are subject to 40 - 50 % more direct sunlight than comparable vertical surfaces. This results in unique thermal stresses to the wood of the deck. For example, on sunny summer days, the temperature on a deck floor board can vary as much as 50º F between the sun-exposed top surface and the damp, shaded underside of the deck. In addition, decks are subject to foot traffic, physical wear and tear, ground-in dirt and food stains.
Trex / Composite Care
Trex is the leading composite board producer in the US. Trex composites are made of high quality wood and plastic.
Not just anyone should be allowed to clean your composite deck or structure. Cleaning composite and cleaning wood is not entirely the same process. So when looking for a professional to clean your composite deck or fence, make sure that they have experience in doing so. Trex will actually void their customers warranty if the deck is not cleaned properly.
However, Trex does recommend having your deck or fence cleaned semi - annually to help manage any
mold (Typically in the spring and fall).
If you currently have a composite deck or fence, and it's starting to look a little worn out you may want to consider having it stained. And just like cleaning composite, you don't want just anyone doing it. Once again, you are going to want someone with experience in doing so. There are only three stain manufactures that have done proper testing on Trex composite, and those are the only three manufactures that Trex recommends using.
All Decks Before 2003
According to the EPA, Effective December 31, 2003, no wood treater or manufacturer may treat wood with CCA ( Chromated copper arsenate ) for residential uses.
Chromated copper arsenate (CCA) is a chemical wood preservative containing chromium, copper and arsenic. CCA is used in pressure treated wood to protect wood from rotting due to insects and microbial agents.
EPA has classified CCA as a restricted use product, for use only by certified pesticide applicators.
The main concern of having CCA in the lumber is that if your deck is not stained to trap in the CCA you are exposed to the arsenic. This can lead to long term health problems. Especially if you have childern. Childern play on the exposed floor and put their hands in their mouth and potentially contract small levels of arsenic into their bodies.
EPA and the
Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) conducted two-year studies of the effectiveness of staining the wood to prevent leaching of arsenic from CCA-treated wood. Both studies examined whether or not the application of different wood sealants on CCA-treated wood affects the amount of CCA residues to which an individual may be exposed. The data suggest that application of penetrating stains and coatings to decks or other residential CCA-treated structures at least once a year can reduce potential exposure to arsenic.
Here at J & J Pressure Washing we understand wood / composite and how to restore it. We are Wolman Certified Wood Contractors and we are able to take on any task. Wolman is one of the largest industry leaders and innovators of wood care. Some of the information above is provided by them as well as Trex and the EPA.
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Surface Graying from Sun (UV) Exposure
Unprotected wood is also subject to a variety of other “damage”. Surface degradation caused by constant exposure to the sun’s harmful, ultra-violet rays is a common occurrence on decks, docks, fences and other outdoor wood structures. After consistent sun exposure over 1-3 years, the result is usually surface
“graying”. The gray color is indicative of wood fiber degradation on the surface, and this graying will grow darker as years of sun exposure take their toll. Like sun-burnt skin, the grayed surface layer is permanently damaged, and must be removed to get to the sound, healthy layers underneath.
If your deck, fence, pier, etc. is primarily exposed to the sun (which most are) then you should have a stain applied to it. A stain offers UV and water protection as where a clear sealer only primarily offers water protection. If your wood structure has bad graying problems then you should strongly consider using a stain. If you prefer a natural look and are afraid to have a stain applied then talk to a professional. Most professionals have a good variety of stain options to choose from. Anything from a lighter natural tone to darker exotic colors.
Wood Rot and Decay from Insect or Fungi Attack
Weather Exposure is Especially Tough on Decks
Trex / Composite Care
Trex is the leading composite board producer in the US. Trex composites are made of high quality wood and plastic.
Not just anyone should be allowed to clean your composite deck or structure. Cleaning composite and cleaning wood is not entirely the same process. So when looking for a professional to clean your composite deck or fence, make sure that they have experience in doing so. Trex will actually void their customers warranty if the deck is not cleaned properly.
However, Trex does recommend having your deck or fence cleaned semi - annually to help manage any mold (Typically in the spring and fall).
If you currently have a composite deck or fence, and it's starting to look a little worn out you may want to consider having it stained. And just like cleaning composite, you don't want just anyone doing it. Once again, you are going to want someone with experience in doing so. There are only three stain manufactures that have done proper testing on Trex composite, and those are the only three manufactures that Trex recommends using.
All Decks Before 2003
According to the EPA, Effective December 31, 2003, no wood treater or manufacturer may treat wood with CCA ( Chromated copper arsenate ) for residential uses.
Chromated copper arsenate (CCA) is a chemical wood preservative containing chromium, copper and arsenic. CCA is used in pressure treated wood to protect wood from rotting due to insects and microbial agents. EPA has classified CCA as a restricted use product, for use only by certified pesticide applicators.
The main concern of having CCA in the lumber is that if your deck is not stained to trap in the CCA you are exposed to the arsenic. This can lead to long term health problems. Especially if you have childern. Childern play on the exposed floor and put their hands in their mouth and potentially contract small levels of arsenic into their bodies.
EPA and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) conducted two-year studies of the effectiveness of staining the wood to prevent leaching of arsenic from CCA-treated wood. Both studies examined whether or not the application of different wood sealants on CCA-treated wood affects the amount of CCA residues to which an individual may be exposed. The data suggest that application of penetrating stains and coatings to decks or other residential CCA-treated structures at least once a year can reduce potential exposure to arsenic.
Here at J & J Pressure Washing we understand wood / composite and how to restore it. We are Wolman Certified Wood Contractors and we are able to take on any task. Wolman is one of the largest industry leaders and innovators of wood care. Some of the information above is provided by them as well as Trex and the EPA.
Deck Staining Charlotte, Mooresville, Greensboro
