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2012年9月8日 星期六

Cleaning Guide For You Composite Deck


Composite decking is practically known for being low-maintenance, but that doesn't meant that you have to completely take your deck for granted. As with others, cleaning it once in a while helps a lot in its maintenance and and prevention of looking dull over the years.

Your weapons of choice for cleaning your composite deck are just hot water, soap, and a brush with soft bristles. And remember that you don't have to do this often. As a matter of fact, the suggested number of times you should do this is only twice a year, preferably during Spring and Fall. And before you set out to cleaning your composite deck, make sure you have your materials ready.

The most common problems for a composite deck, a TimberTech for instance, are oil and grease stains, dirt, and debris. For the dirt and debris, just lightly scrub the problem area with the brush using a mixture of hot water and soap and it should easily be cleaned off without affecting the finish or the color of your composite deck.

For the oil and greases stains, they can easily be washed off by hot water. Just rinse the affected area with running hot water. Be careful when you're doing this though because if you use water that's too hot and pour it for too long, little colorant from the composite deck might fade a little bit.

For other more serious stains though, there are special products from TimberTech that they sell so you'll be sure that you are getting the right products and not something that might potentially ruin the color, finish, or texture of your composite decks.




For more information, check out Composite Decking Reviews.

Erika Ayala writes part-time for Exchanger Heat Plates.





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張貼者： 於 晚上7:12 0 意見
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2012年9月6日 星期四

Pressure Washer Business; Cleaning Composite Decks


There is a new trend in the way wood decks are constructed; composite decks and railings. Recently had the opportunity to go on a bidding job with a deck cleaning contractor to bid on cleaning and treating a large deck. When we got there we found out the deck was not made of wood at all; it was made of composite. There was nothing to treat unless of course you want a spray with armor all. It did clean rather nicely kind of like washing a plastic fence. The new trend in composite railings has come about because the final railings do a better job facing down the elements and therefore owners and contractors often decide to put in the composite railings even though there are slightly more expensive because they look great for much longer.

Composite railings that are built too long between posts generally have a problem with separation so the posts seem to be closer together, when they are not debris gets inside any between the spaces often bugs crawl and it makes a general mess, when cleaning composite railings you may notice quite a bit of dirt coming down between the cracks and therefore it takes a lot more Flushing Power to clean the deck than it would a wood only deck. When using more water you have twice the chance of flooding the vegetation below if there is any in this case there was, one of the most beautiful flower gardens I have seen in any middle-class neighborhood. We would need to cover the flowers and find proper drainage for the excess water or actually uses squirt bottle and do them by hand. We imagine that if the lady watched us use a squirt bottle, that she would probably throw our butts out in the cul-de-sac.

One of the composite railings that we've been most impressed with has been from Crystal White Corporation. Their weather best natural wood vinyl is sturdy and attractive and very easy to clean, almost too easy almost like we should not even charge for clean Crystal White also makes docks which attached to concrete walk ways. The "U" beam construction makes it very easy clean and just in case we screw up is guaranteed for 10 years. Although I would say is very hard to screw up since you not need chemicals to clean it, therefore it is nearly impossible to damage wall washing. Crystal White Corporation has post every 6 to 8 feet therefore the expansion and contraction of the composite does not seem to be an issue or cause separation. Unfortunately we have also noticed that is very low maintenance and is not need to be cleaned every year, so we're losing a few sales but it looks magnificent when completed in since it is not made of wood but rather a composite wood polymeric substrate capped with co-extruded PVC it never needs sanding, painting or coating.

It will not fade and it never yellows, like we have seen some plastic fences do. It is guaranteed against cracking, peeling, insects, warping, rotting, and water damage.

[http://www.weatherbest.lpcorp.com/win.html] .

The railing comes in several colors; Pacific Cedar, Western Redwood and driftwood gray and what we saw was White and looked very real. The plastic even has a wood grain texture to it. And although we did not see Crystal White's docks, their composite decking is truly incredible. We understand that Crystal White Corporation has recently licensed their product to Strandex Corporation for other wood grains. Another good thing about weather best composite decking is that it contains no copper, chromium or arsenic in its material like many pressure treated woods to.

What we like about washing it is they cannot splinter, check or come apart using a normal pressure washer with hot or cold water under 3000 P.S.I.. So it cleans very fast, needless to say if your bidding a job on the phone for a five-star resort, golf course or Marina and then you show up and see that it is composite you'll make a ton of money in a very short amount of time, be sure to bid by the job and not by the hour. So when you're completed you'll feel like God and say "...and it was Good." I almost feel like calling up the composite deck, Dock, railing and fence manufacturers and dealer reps to get a list of all commercial buildings which have installed their product because I know that is some high profit cleaning.




"Lance Winslow" - Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; www.WorldThinkTank.net/. Lance is an online writer in retirement.





This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.

張貼者： 於 中午12:51 0 意見
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2012年8月23日 星期四

Cleaning Composite Decks


Today's consumers are realizing that no wood or wood product exposed to weather is going to be completely maintenance-free. Even exotic woods like Ipe require periodic cleaning and sealing as the natural oils within the wood dry out. All exterior lumber used in deck construction should be maintained every year to protect it from the elements and ground in dirt.

Composite lumber varies from manufacturer to manufacturer, but it appears that all of the popular ones contain wood particles (these ground particles are called "wood flour" by the industry). That means that any of these particles on or near the surface of the board, no matter what they are mixed with, will react to Mother Nature the same way all wood does. Graying and staining are common problems - and the stuff of nightmares for deck owners. Manufacturers are getting calls every day from end users about these issues, and deck restoration contractors are stepping in with the fix.

Cleaning composite decks is important to keep the material looking its best. Properly cleaning composite decks should be done with a composite wood cleaner that is designed specifically for these unique materials. Some manufacturers have suggested using bleach or oxygenated bleach to clean the wood, but the results have been varied. Most pressure washing contractors who do deck renewal are finding success through products made especially for this problem, such as Flood's Composite Wood Cleaner. The key to this particular product is in the surfactants and cleaning chemicals in its formula.

This guide will give you the basic steps that should be used to get the best results when cleaning composite deck materials.

Preparing the composite deck: Sweep debris like leaves, twigs and dirt off the deck first. Then rinse off the composite lumber to cool it off and remove heavy built up deposits of dirt and mud. Rinsing off the composite deck first will cool the surface and prevent the possibility of flash drying the composite cleaner when it's applied. Also wet down plants and grass around the deck and if necessary, Cover plants, grass, concrete and any other areas you don't want the composite cleaner getting on.

Remove any stains on composite decks first! Use oxalic, citric or phosphoric acid-based cleaners to remove rust stains from metal furniture. These will also help remove leaf stains.

Use commercial degreasers containing propylene glycol, sodium hydroxide, and various detergents for removing grease and oil stains.

Spot removers or mineral spirits may be used carefully on stubborn grease or oil stains but should be washed off quickly with water, as it can damage the grain pattern. Spot removers normally include petroleum distillates, xylene, methanol, acetone, or other organic solvents. Use caution if the composite lumber has embedded color, as some solvents may affect the appearance. As always, test your cleaner on an inconspicuous spot.

To remove light mildew wash your composite deck periodically with a cleaner that contains or is mixed with Sodium Hypochlorite.

The cleaning process:

Apply your composite deck cleaner on the railings and floor in manageable sections. Cleaning too large of an area at a time may allow the composite cleaner to dry on the surface which can cause discoloration in some materials. Once the composite cleaner has sat on the surface according to the directions, carefully power wash the surface in the direction of the grain, using less than 800 PSI. Use the pressure washer to "rinse" the surface. Avoid holding the nozzle too close to the composite surface or holding it in any one spot too long. Hold the pressure wand about 8" away from the surface and "sweep" it off in a rinsing motion. Use a "golf swing" motion, and avoid washing each square inch of the surface. Keep the wand moving smoothly over the surface to avoid leaving marks. Proper technique determines the results, so take some time to practice when you are able to. Once you have completed that section, treat the next area and continue until the job is completed.

For regular maintenance, rinse off your composite deck periodically with a hose. Even if your deck appears clean, it is important to prevent build-up of pollen and other debris. Mildew stains may occur where moisture, pollens, and/or dirt are present. Mildew needs a food source to grow, which can be grass, pollens, dirt, debris, wood and wood resins.

To repair scratches, nicks, cuts and grooves in most composite decking materials you can try using a brass wire brush. Brushing will need to be consistent with the grain of the composite material and the brushed area will weather back in approximately 8-10 weeks. Make sure you try this in a hidden area first! Some materials could become discolored or damaged from wire brushing.

High-pressure washing of composite decks is not necessary or advisable. Instead, hire a properly trained pressure washing company to do it correctly and safely. Or if you must do it yourself, use the proper-strength composite lumber cleaners to do all the work for you. Then you simply RINSE using your pressure-washer. Doing it the right way means using your pressure washer to agitate slightly with MODERATE pressure and HIGH water volume. Use the pressure washer responsibly. Too much pressure on the surface of composite lumber can cause damages.




For more information on composite deck cleaners or pressure washing visit http://www.sunbritesupplymd.com or http://www.sunbritesupply.com





This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.

張貼者： 於 凌晨2:27 0 意見
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2012年7月15日 星期日

Deck Cleaning Solutions - Homemade Recipe For Getting Rid Of Mildew And Algae Off Of Your Deck


Here is a very simple home made recipe for all around cleaning that works great on decks. If you want to finally get rid of that mildew and algae,now is the time. This recipe was handed down from a older gentlemen who was a painter at a country club I met in 1971.

Mildew and algae are usually problems in areas that have a high level of moisture and it typically grows on the north side of the house or shady areas. Its generally an eye sore but left uncheck it can be a hazard. It will create a slippery spot just like a sheet of ice and if you have children or elderly folks its best to remove this problem.

This simple recipe is TSP or trisodium phosphate (TSP can be purchase at your local hardware store) and warm water with a little bleach. The TSP comes is a white power that is a little course and is mix in warm water to help it dissolve.

Bleach is use to destroy micro-organisms such as mildew and algae.

The generic cleaning composition is 1 to 1 1/2 cups TSP to two gallons of warm water,if there is a lot of mold I would add 1/2 cup of household bleach (do not use commercial bleach which is stronger). I generally make my recipe on the lighter side first. I can always make it stronger (stronger means 1 1/2 cups of TSP) or wash the area twice if I want to be careful.

Hose down the deck with water to get the pores of the wood to open up,this makes it easier to clean. With a scrub brush attach to a pole start to applied the cleaning solution on the deck, work a small section at a time. When you are satisfied with the results hose off the cleaner. If the mold has been on the deck for a long time you might not get it all off,so try to be happy with the results you are getting.

Do not try to make a stronger recipe by adding more TSP or bleach,if its necessary to clean the deck again,do so.

Never use bleach on a cedar deck,this will strip away its natural colors. If you are cleaning mildew and algae off of a cedar deck ask your local paint store what product they recommend. My personal preference is to just use a pressure washer with cold water.

Make sure you are careful when pressure washing cedar because its such a soft wood.

Take your time and preparation is the key for a successful job.




Earl Adkins has clean and seal over a thousand decks and author of the e-book Homeowner's Guide How to Maintain Your Deck. Get your free copy at http://deckcleaning.com Learn the best deck cleaning practices from a professional.





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張貼者： 於 上午10:00 5 意見
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2012年7月4日 星期三

Cleaning Wood and Trex Decks


With the approach of spring many homeowners look forward to spending time once again on their deck or patio. Unless you live in a mild climate you probably have some work to do before you will be ready to invite your family and friends over for a cookout. Regardless of whether your deck is a traditional wood surface or a composite material like Trex® the most common spring task is cleaning your deck.

Fall, Winter, and early Spring weather can produce a number of different stains on your deck. Mold, sap, fall leaves, and other debris will all leave a mark on your deck surface and may need to be cleaned in different manners. If this is the first time cleaning the surface make sure that you check before power washing or using a chemical agent to clean your deck AND test a small, out-of-the-way region to make sure there will be no ill effects. Here are some common ways to clean your deck.

Sweep it Up and Hose It Down - Use rake, blower, and/or broom to remove leaves, sticks, dirt and other loose debris from your deck. Once cleared, use you hose and spray down the deck - a surprising amount of the clean-up may be accomplished in this fashion.

Chemical Cleaners - Most home and garden stores will have a selection deck, patio, and wood cleaners for you to choose from as well as professionals to offer you suggestions on what is best for your deck. Many can be applied with a deck sprayer or sponge mop and if necessary scrubbed with (appropriately enough) a deck brush. Whatever cleaner you use, make sure to familiarize yourself with the cautions on the package (some can harm your landscaping if inappropriately applied) and apply it as directed.

More Power - If you still have dirt and stains, you may want to try using a power washer. This works particularly well when you are cleaning a hard and/or porous surface (i.e., cement or pavers) however you must take care not to damage the surface (high pressure water can do a surprising amount of damage if you are not careful). Special caution must be taken when using a power washer on wood, composite, painted, and/or stained surface as too much pressure applied at too close a range can mar the surface you are cleaning and remove even paint and stain. Use a wider angle spray and practice on out of the way areas until you get the hand of it.




Ray Breitenbach writes for Simple Home Repairs. Please visit for more information on how to perform you own basic home repairs.





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張貼者： 於 晚上11:33 0 意見
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2012年6月14日 星期四

Pressure Washer Business; Cleaning Composite Decks


There is a new trend in the way wood decks are constructed; composite decks and railings. Recently had the opportunity to go on a bidding job with a deck cleaning contractor to bid on cleaning and treating a large deck. When we got there we found out the deck was not made of wood at all; it was made of composite. There was nothing to treat unless of course you want a spray with armor all. It did clean rather nicely kind of like washing a plastic fence. The new trend in composite railings has come about because the final railings do a better job facing down the elements and therefore owners and contractors often decide to put in the composite railings even though there are slightly more expensive because they look great for much longer.

Composite railings that are built too long between posts generally have a problem with separation so the posts seem to be closer together, when they are not debris gets inside any between the spaces often bugs crawl and it makes a general mess, when cleaning composite railings you may notice quite a bit of dirt coming down between the cracks and therefore it takes a lot more Flushing Power to clean the deck than it would a wood only deck. When using more water you have twice the chance of flooding the vegetation below if there is any in this case there was, one of the most beautiful flower gardens I have seen in any middle-class neighborhood. We would need to cover the flowers and find proper drainage for the excess water or actually uses squirt bottle and do them by hand. We imagine that if the lady watched us use a squirt bottle, that she would probably throw our butts out in the cul-de-sac.

One of the composite railings that we've been most impressed with has been from Crystal White Corporation. Their weather best natural wood vinyl is sturdy and attractive and very easy to clean, almost too easy almost like we should not even charge for clean Crystal White also makes docks which attached to concrete walk ways. The "U" beam construction makes it very easy clean and just in case we screw up is guaranteed for 10 years. Although I would say is very hard to screw up since you not need chemicals to clean it, therefore it is nearly impossible to damage wall washing. Crystal White Corporation has post every 6 to 8 feet therefore the expansion and contraction of the composite does not seem to be an issue or cause separation. Unfortunately we have also noticed that is very low maintenance and is not need to be cleaned every year, so we're losing a few sales but it looks magnificent when completed in since it is not made of wood but rather a composite wood polymeric substrate capped with co-extruded PVC it never needs sanding, painting or coating.

It will not fade and it never yellows, like we have seen some plastic fences do. It is guaranteed against cracking, peeling, insects, warping, rotting, and water damage.

[http://www.weatherbest.lpcorp.com/win.html] .

The railing comes in several colors; Pacific Cedar, Western Redwood and driftwood gray and what we saw was White and looked very real. The plastic even has a wood grain texture to it. And although we did not see Crystal White's docks, their composite decking is truly incredible. We understand that Crystal White Corporation has recently licensed their product to Strandex Corporation for other wood grains. Another good thing about weather best composite decking is that it contains no copper, chromium or arsenic in its material like many pressure treated woods to.

What we like about washing it is they cannot splinter, check or come apart using a normal pressure washer with hot or cold water under 3000 P.S.I.. So it cleans very fast, needless to say if your bidding a job on the phone for a five-star resort, golf course or Marina and then you show up and see that it is composite you'll make a ton of money in a very short amount of time, be sure to bid by the job and not by the hour. So when you're completed you'll feel like God and say "...and it was Good." I almost feel like calling up the composite deck, Dock, railing and fence manufacturers and dealer reps to get a list of all commercial buildings which have installed their product because I know that is some high profit cleaning.




"Lance Winslow" - Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; www.WorldThinkTank.net/. Lance is an online writer in retirement.





This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.

張貼者： 於 凌晨2:48 0 意見
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2012年5月28日 星期一

Cleaning Guide For You Composite Deck


Composite decking is practically known for being low-maintenance, but that doesn't meant that you have to completely take your deck for granted. As with others, cleaning it once in a while helps a lot in its maintenance and and prevention of looking dull over the years.

Your weapons of choice for cleaning your composite deck are just hot water, soap, and a brush with soft bristles. And remember that you don't have to do this often. As a matter of fact, the suggested number of times you should do this is only twice a year, preferably during Spring and Fall. And before you set out to cleaning your composite deck, make sure you have your materials ready.

The most common problems for a composite deck, a TimberTech for instance, are oil and grease stains, dirt, and debris. For the dirt and debris, just lightly scrub the problem area with the brush using a mixture of hot water and soap and it should easily be cleaned off without affecting the finish or the color of your composite deck.

For the oil and greases stains, they can easily be washed off by hot water. Just rinse the affected area with running hot water. Be careful when you're doing this though because if you use water that's too hot and pour it for too long, little colorant from the composite deck might fade a little bit.

For other more serious stains though, there are special products from TimberTech that they sell so you'll be sure that you are getting the right products and not something that might potentially ruin the color, finish, or texture of your composite decks.




For more information, check out Composite Decking Reviews.

Erika Ayala writes part-time for Exchanger Heat Plates.





This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.

張貼者： 於 凌晨2:13 0 意見
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2012年5月18日 星期五

Cleaning Composite Decks


Today's consumers are realizing that no wood or wood product exposed to weather is going to be completely maintenance-free. Even exotic woods like Ipe require periodic cleaning and sealing as the natural oils within the wood dry out. All exterior lumber used in deck construction should be maintained every year to protect it from the elements and ground in dirt.

Composite lumber varies from manufacturer to manufacturer, but it appears that all of the popular ones contain wood particles (these ground particles are called "wood flour" by the industry). That means that any of these particles on or near the surface of the board, no matter what they are mixed with, will react to Mother Nature the same way all wood does. Graying and staining are common problems - and the stuff of nightmares for deck owners. Manufacturers are getting calls every day from end users about these issues, and deck restoration contractors are stepping in with the fix.

Cleaning composite decks is important to keep the material looking its best. Properly cleaning composite decks should be done with a composite wood cleaner that is designed specifically for these unique materials. Some manufacturers have suggested using bleach or oxygenated bleach to clean the wood, but the results have been varied. Most pressure washing contractors who do deck renewal are finding success through products made especially for this problem, such as Flood's Composite Wood Cleaner. The key to this particular product is in the surfactants and cleaning chemicals in its formula.

This guide will give you the basic steps that should be used to get the best results when cleaning composite deck materials.

Preparing the composite deck: Sweep debris like leaves, twigs and dirt off the deck first. Then rinse off the composite lumber to cool it off and remove heavy built up deposits of dirt and mud. Rinsing off the composite deck first will cool the surface and prevent the possibility of flash drying the composite cleaner when it's applied. Also wet down plants and grass around the deck and if necessary, Cover plants, grass, concrete and any other areas you don't want the composite cleaner getting on.

Remove any stains on composite decks first! Use oxalic, citric or phosphoric acid-based cleaners to remove rust stains from metal furniture. These will also help remove leaf stains.

Use commercial degreasers containing propylene glycol, sodium hydroxide, and various detergents for removing grease and oil stains.

Spot removers or mineral spirits may be used carefully on stubborn grease or oil stains but should be washed off quickly with water, as it can damage the grain pattern. Spot removers normally include petroleum distillates, xylene, methanol, acetone, or other organic solvents. Use caution if the composite lumber has embedded color, as some solvents may affect the appearance. As always, test your cleaner on an inconspicuous spot.

To remove light mildew wash your composite deck periodically with a cleaner that contains or is mixed with Sodium Hypochlorite.

The cleaning process:

Apply your composite deck cleaner on the railings and floor in manageable sections. Cleaning too large of an area at a time may allow the composite cleaner to dry on the surface which can cause discoloration in some materials. Once the composite cleaner has sat on the surface according to the directions, carefully power wash the surface in the direction of the grain, using less than 800 PSI. Use the pressure washer to "rinse" the surface. Avoid holding the nozzle too close to the composite surface or holding it in any one spot too long. Hold the pressure wand about 8" away from the surface and "sweep" it off in a rinsing motion. Use a "golf swing" motion, and avoid washing each square inch of the surface. Keep the wand moving smoothly over the surface to avoid leaving marks. Proper technique determines the results, so take some time to practice when you are able to. Once you have completed that section, treat the next area and continue until the job is completed.

For regular maintenance, rinse off your composite deck periodically with a hose. Even if your deck appears clean, it is important to prevent build-up of pollen and other debris. Mildew stains may occur where moisture, pollens, and/or dirt are present. Mildew needs a food source to grow, which can be grass, pollens, dirt, debris, wood and wood resins.

To repair scratches, nicks, cuts and grooves in most composite decking materials you can try using a brass wire brush. Brushing will need to be consistent with the grain of the composite material and the brushed area will weather back in approximately 8-10 weeks. Make sure you try this in a hidden area first! Some materials could become discolored or damaged from wire brushing.

High-pressure washing of composite decks is not necessary or advisable. Instead, hire a properly trained pressure washing company to do it correctly and safely. Or if you must do it yourself, use the proper-strength composite lumber cleaners to do all the work for you. Then you simply RINSE using your pressure-washer. Doing it the right way means using your pressure washer to agitate slightly with MODERATE pressure and HIGH water volume. Use the pressure washer responsibly. Too much pressure on the surface of composite lumber can cause damages.




For more information on composite deck cleaners or pressure washing visit http://www.sunbritesupplymd.com or http://www.sunbritesupply.com





This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.

張貼者： 於 清晨7:41 0 意見
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2012年3月12日 星期一

Deck Maintenance: Cleaning Up After a Storm


This winter promises to be a harsh one for the Pacific Northwest, and winter storms can be hard on a composite or cedar deck. Here's a checklist of things to do after a storm to keep your decking material in the best shape possible:

Survey the Damage

Before taking any action, look around your yard to get an idea of what your cleanup will entail and whether it's safe to start working. Look for low-hanging branches and fallen or leaning trees, particularly if they are on or near your deck, as these can constitute a safety hazard. You should also scan for fallen or sagging power lines around your yard -- if you see any, stay away from the area and report the problem to your power company immediately.

Once you have determined it is safe to begin work, check the general condition of your decking. Look for any popped nails that need to be hammered down or decking material that has come loose needs re-securing. You should also test any handrails and stairs for stability and examine your deck's support posts for signs of weakness and rot.

Clean Debris Off Your Deck

Once you've assessed the safety of your cedar or composite decking material, it's time to clear away any debris the storm has left behind. This includes mud, leaves, branches, pooled water and any other organic matter that has been deposited on your deck, as these can spread rot, encourage mold and mildew growth and even stain your deck if left unaddressed.

Sweep off any loose debris and hose down any muddy areas. Make sure you don't leave any excess water standing on your deck. Pay special attention to the cracks between deck boards, as debris can sometimes become lodged in these spaces.

Snow and Ice Removal

If you're cleaning up after a snowstorm, it's a good idea to remove any snow or ice from your decking material. To remove snow without damaging your decking, use a stiff-bristled broom or plastic snow shovel (not metal) and shovel along the length of the boards to avoid gouging the decking. For composite decking, you can try using rock salt to melt the ice or snow, as long as you make sure to rinse off any residue. Do not use salt or de-icers on a cedar deck.

Damage Prevention

To avoid further damage to your deck from future storms, there are a few preventive measures you can take. Remove any potted plants, as water can pool beneath them and damage the decking. You should also regularly check your deck for cracks and promptly repair any you find, as water can freeze inside them and cause the cracks to expand. Finally, make sure you're regularly restaining your cedar deck to protect it from the elements.




Learn more about cedar deck maintenance and repair at the Rick's Fencing website, a Northwest resource for cedar and composite decking materials and information.





This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.

張貼者： 於 凌晨12:19 0 意見
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2012年3月10日 星期六

Cleaning Guide For You Composite Deck


Composite decking is practically known for being low-maintenance, but that doesn't meant that you have to completely take your deck for granted. As with others, cleaning it once in a while helps a lot in its maintenance and and prevention of looking dull over the years.

Your weapons of choice for cleaning your composite deck are just hot water, soap, and a brush with soft bristles. And remember that you don't have to do this often. As a matter of fact, the suggested number of times you should do this is only twice a year, preferably during Spring and Fall. And before you set out to cleaning your composite deck, make sure you have your materials ready.

The most common problems for a composite deck, a TimberTech for instance, are oil and grease stains, dirt, and debris. For the dirt and debris, just lightly scrub the problem area with the brush using a mixture of hot water and soap and it should easily be cleaned off without affecting the finish or the color of your composite deck.

For the oil and greases stains, they can easily be washed off by hot water. Just rinse the affected area with running hot water. Be careful when you're doing this though because if you use water that's too hot and pour it for too long, little colorant from the composite deck might fade a little bit.

For other more serious stains though, there are special products from TimberTech that they sell so you'll be sure that you are getting the right products and not something that might potentially ruin the color, finish, or texture of your composite decks.




For more information, check out Composite Decking Reviews.

Erika Ayala writes part-time for Exchanger Heat Plates.





This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.

張貼者： 於 凌晨3:25 0 意見
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2012年3月5日 星期一

Deck Cleaning the Right Way - Five Reasons to Hire a Professional


Summer, winter, spring or fall, Americans continue to enjoy the great outdoors from their decks, patios, pool areas, or gazebos. And some of those areas of pleasure have definitely seen better days. Are you thinking about restoring the surfaces inside or outside your home to their former glory? Will pressure cleaning and deck staining alone do the trick on your deck that's seen better days? Is there a right way or a wrong way to restore a deck for beauty and endurance?

Doing it yourself home improvement may sound like the way to go, but in spite of long-standing home improvement do-it-yourself trends, there are extremely compelling reasons to hire a professional surface reconstruction/ maintenance firm to achieve the results you want with less of your own sweat and tears and at less cost to you.

As you know, bringing the surfaces of your home or commercial space back to beauty involves an accepted process that involves time, money and the expenditure of a lot of energy. You must clean, restore, beautify and finally protect porous and non-porous surfaces in order to assure successful restoration and to guarantee enduring results.

Here are 5 reasons to consider hiring a professional surface restoration company - using your Deck as an example:

Cleaning Your Deck Takes Time, Money, and Energy

Obviously, you have to clean your wood deck thoroughly before anything else can be done to restore it to its' former beauty. Sounds easy! But, on second look, if your outdoor deck has been relatively unattended for a number of years, you'll see embedded dirt, mildew stains, and weathering you may never have noticed before. You knew things were bad - but this bad? Will pressure washing alone do the trick? Perhaps not, so to begin, go to your local home improvement center and purchase a deck cleaner that will restore your wood to its natural beauty without yellowing or bleaching. Which deck cleaner will you choose? Maybe the sales help can give you a clue, but maybe not. How much work is involved in cleaning your deck, even with the help of a power washer and the deck cleaner you have just purchased?

Stripping Your Deck Takes Time, Money and Energy

Stripping an old deck to prepare it for beautification is the second necessary step in the restoration process. You see, you have to strip any deteriorating wood or unwanted finish from the surface to make way for the application of more products. So, now, head back to the home improvement center to buy another product - a deck stripping product with stain and finish remover. Be sure and corral the sales person again for help in deciding which one will most effectively remove old oil and latex stains from your deck. Does he really know what he's talking about? It's a must to prepare the wood for any new finish or stain. How much work is involved in stripping your deck, even with the help of the deck stripping product you have just purchased?

Protecting and Beautifying Your Deck Takes Time, Money and Energy

O.K. - Your deck is finally cleaned and stripped. You have prepared the wood for a new finish or a stain that will not only make it look beautiful and new, but will protect it from the elements. Has your finish seen better days? Do you want a different look this time around? You'll need to go to the home improvement center again and look for a semitransparent stain - or a rich transparent oil finish - to enhance the beauty of your deck.

Don't want to stain? It's still important to saturate your newly cleaned wood surface with a clear water repellent. This will help protect it from rain that can cause swelling, shrinking, warping and cracking. Look for a water repellent with a mildewcide to slow the growth of mildew during warmer months. Do you have the right one? How much work is involved in that application?

Hiring a Professional Surface Restoration Company Can Save Time, Money and Energy

Finding a reputable deck restorer or deck construction company you can count on is as easy as asking for references. Many will even be happy to show you pictures of their work or to take you to homes of satisfied customers to see their patio decks first-hand. Once you have found a company to restore, rebuild, or even build a brand new deck for you, you're on your way to getting the best results for the least effort and expenditure. Check deck builders on-line and comparison shop. Ask your neighbors and by all means, check with that sales professional at your local home improvement center. He or she knows the builders in your area and can really help you this time!

You Get What You Pay For

Remember - When you hire a professional, you are not doing the buying, agonizing over the decisions, renting equipment, or doing any of the heavy labor involved in the restoration process.

Here are some of the services you can expect to find when you hire a professional firm to work on projects in your home, office or commercial space:


Pressure washing services for your house, rooftop, patio, sidewalk, driveway, parking lot, pool area, pool deck, or any other exterior surface.
Cleaning, restoration, repair, resurfacing, staining, and preservation of decks, fences, cedar shake or gazebos.
Cleaning interior surfaces with proper drainage.
Grafitti removal on smooth or porous surfaces.
Deck repair, deck construction and reconstruction.
Installation of wood or composite decking.
Deck stripping.
Application of solid and semi-transparent stain or paint.
Seasonal and year-round protection of outdoor surfaces.

Doing it yourself sounds like a way to go when it comes to tackling surface restoration, and it may be the right choice for you. But, don't overlook the experience, knowledge, up-to-date products, and manpower that professional restorers can provide, including numerous benefits and end-result quality you may not be able to achieve yourself. In addition, they can assist you in developing a long-term maintenance plan that will protect your investment by extending the life and appearance of your property.

There are ins and outs to surface reconstruction and preservation - a right way and a wrong way - a best way. The choice is yours.




For more information on interior and exterior surface restoration, visit Cope Exterior and Deck, a quality power washing and pressure cleaning maintenance firm serving the Northern Virginia area.





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2011年12月16日 星期五

Pressure Washer Business; Cleaning Composite Decks


There is a new trend in the way wood decks are constructed; composite decks and railings. Recently had the opportunity to go on a bidding job with a deck cleaning contractor to bid on cleaning and treating a large deck. When we got there we found out the deck was not made of wood at all; it was made of composite. There was nothing to treat unless of course you want a spray with armor all. It did clean rather nicely kind of like washing a plastic fence. The new trend in composite railings has come about because the final railings do a better job facing down the elements and therefore owners and contractors often decide to put in the composite railings even though there are slightly more expensive because they look great for much longer.

Composite railings that are built too long between posts generally have a problem with separation so the posts seem to be closer together, when they are not debris gets inside any between the spaces often bugs crawl and it makes a general mess, when cleaning composite railings you may notice quite a bit of dirt coming down between the cracks and therefore it takes a lot more Flushing Power to clean the deck than it would a wood only deck. When using more water you have twice the chance of flooding the vegetation below if there is any in this case there was, one of the most beautiful flower gardens I have seen in any middle-class neighborhood. We would need to cover the flowers and find proper drainage for the excess water or actually uses squirt bottle and do them by hand. We imagine that if the lady watched us use a squirt bottle, that she would probably throw our butts out in the cul-de-sac.

One of the composite railings that we've been most impressed with has been from Crystal White Corporation. Their weather best natural wood vinyl is sturdy and attractive and very easy to clean, almost too easy almost like we should not even charge for clean Crystal White also makes docks which attached to concrete walk ways. The "U" beam construction makes it very easy clean and just in case we screw up is guaranteed for 10 years. Although I would say is very hard to screw up since you not need chemicals to clean it, therefore it is nearly impossible to damage wall washing. Crystal White Corporation has post every 6 to 8 feet therefore the expansion and contraction of the composite does not seem to be an issue or cause separation. Unfortunately we have also noticed that is very low maintenance and is not need to be cleaned every year, so we're losing a few sales but it looks magnificent when completed in since it is not made of wood but rather a composite wood polymeric substrate capped with co-extruded PVC it never needs sanding, painting or coating.

It will not fade and it never yellows, like we have seen some plastic fences do. It is guaranteed against cracking, peeling, insects, warping, rotting, and water damage.

[http://www.weatherbest.lpcorp.com/win.html] .

The railing comes in several colors; Pacific Cedar, Western Redwood and driftwood gray and what we saw was White and looked very real. The plastic even has a wood grain texture to it. And although we did not see Crystal White's docks, their composite decking is truly incredible. We understand that Crystal White Corporation has recently licensed their product to Strandex Corporation for other wood grains. Another good thing about weather best composite decking is that it contains no copper, chromium or arsenic in its material like many pressure treated woods to.

What we like about washing it is they cannot splinter, check or come apart using a normal pressure washer with hot or cold water under 3000 P.S.I.. So it cleans very fast, needless to say if your bidding a job on the phone for a five-star resort, golf course or Marina and then you show up and see that it is composite you'll make a ton of money in a very short amount of time, be sure to bid by the job and not by the hour. So when you're completed you'll feel like God and say "...and it was Good." I almost feel like calling up the composite deck, Dock, railing and fence manufacturers and dealer reps to get a list of all commercial buildings which have installed their product because I know that is some high profit cleaning.




"Lance Winslow" - Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; www.WorldThinkTank.net/. Lance is an online writer in retirement.





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2011年12月1日 星期四

Cleaning Composite Decks


Today's consumers are realizing that no wood or wood product exposed to weather is going to be completely maintenance-free. Even exotic woods like Ipe require periodic cleaning and sealing as the natural oils within the wood dry out. All exterior lumber used in deck construction should be maintained every year to protect it from the elements and ground in dirt.

Composite lumber varies from manufacturer to manufacturer, but it appears that all of the popular ones contain wood particles (these ground particles are called "wood flour" by the industry). That means that any of these particles on or near the surface of the board, no matter what they are mixed with, will react to Mother Nature the same way all wood does. Graying and staining are common problems - and the stuff of nightmares for deck owners. Manufacturers are getting calls every day from end users about these issues, and deck restoration contractors are stepping in with the fix.

Cleaning composite decks is important to keep the material looking its best. Properly cleaning composite decks should be done with a composite wood cleaner that is designed specifically for these unique materials. Some manufacturers have suggested using bleach or oxygenated bleach to clean the wood, but the results have been varied. Most pressure washing contractors who do deck renewal are finding success through products made especially for this problem, such as Flood's Composite Wood Cleaner. The key to this particular product is in the surfactants and cleaning chemicals in its formula.

This guide will give you the basic steps that should be used to get the best results when cleaning composite deck materials.

Preparing the composite deck: Sweep debris like leaves, twigs and dirt off the deck first. Then rinse off the composite lumber to cool it off and remove heavy built up deposits of dirt and mud. Rinsing off the composite deck first will cool the surface and prevent the possibility of flash drying the composite cleaner when it's applied. Also wet down plants and grass around the deck and if necessary, Cover plants, grass, concrete and any other areas you don't want the composite cleaner getting on.

Remove any stains on composite decks first! Use oxalic, citric or phosphoric acid-based cleaners to remove rust stains from metal furniture. These will also help remove leaf stains.

Use commercial degreasers containing propylene glycol, sodium hydroxide, and various detergents for removing grease and oil stains.

Spot removers or mineral spirits may be used carefully on stubborn grease or oil stains but should be washed off quickly with water, as it can damage the grain pattern. Spot removers normally include petroleum distillates, xylene, methanol, acetone, or other organic solvents. Use caution if the composite lumber has embedded color, as some solvents may affect the appearance. As always, test your cleaner on an inconspicuous spot.

To remove light mildew wash your composite deck periodically with a cleaner that contains or is mixed with Sodium Hypochlorite.

The cleaning process:

Apply your composite deck cleaner on the railings and floor in manageable sections. Cleaning too large of an area at a time may allow the composite cleaner to dry on the surface which can cause discoloration in some materials. Once the composite cleaner has sat on the surface according to the directions, carefully power wash the surface in the direction of the grain, using less than 800 PSI. Use the pressure washer to "rinse" the surface. Avoid holding the nozzle too close to the composite surface or holding it in any one spot too long. Hold the pressure wand about 8" away from the surface and "sweep" it off in a rinsing motion. Use a "golf swing" motion, and avoid washing each square inch of the surface. Keep the wand moving smoothly over the surface to avoid leaving marks. Proper technique determines the results, so take some time to practice when you are able to. Once you have completed that section, treat the next area and continue until the job is completed.

For regular maintenance, rinse off your composite deck periodically with a hose. Even if your deck appears clean, it is important to prevent build-up of pollen and other debris. Mildew stains may occur where moisture, pollens, and/or dirt are present. Mildew needs a food source to grow, which can be grass, pollens, dirt, debris, wood and wood resins.

To repair scratches, nicks, cuts and grooves in most composite decking materials you can try using a brass wire brush. Brushing will need to be consistent with the grain of the composite material and the brushed area will weather back in approximately 8-10 weeks. Make sure you try this in a hidden area first! Some materials could become discolored or damaged from wire brushing.

High-pressure washing of composite decks is not necessary or advisable. Instead, hire a properly trained pressure washing company to do it correctly and safely. Or if you must do it yourself, use the proper-strength composite lumber cleaners to do all the work for you. Then you simply RINSE using your pressure-washer. Doing it the right way means using your pressure washer to agitate slightly with MODERATE pressure and HIGH water volume. Use the pressure washer responsibly. Too much pressure on the surface of composite lumber can cause damages.




For more information on composite deck cleaners or pressure washing visit http://www.sunbritesupplymd.com or http://www.sunbritesupply.com





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