Why has my wood deck turned gray? Can it be restored?
Why has my once beautiful deck turned gray??
Overtime the natural weathering process of wood occurs due to a combination of chemical, mechanical, and biological factors; all of which occur simultaneously and affect one another.
For instance, prolongued exposure to sunlight damages the outermost layer of the deck. Then, as air and foot-traffic move over the surface of the deck, dust, pollen, dirt, and air pollutants replace the exposed colored cells of the wood.
Can my deck be restored to it’s natural beauty?
It sure can! A regular cleaning of your deck will not only maintain its appearance, but also prolongue the wood’s life.
Will power washing do the trick?
NO! Power washing your deck will further damage the deck. High water pressure will fray and expose deep fibers within the wood, ultimately destroying the outer-most layers, and in the process thin the wood.
How should I maintain my deck?
Before completing any exterior cleaning of you home, always consult a professional. The outdated practices of blasting away grime with high water pressure have been replaced with much safer, more effective methods.
For the cleaning of a wood deck we suggest a multi-step soft wash process. First clean and remove the outer most layer of organic growth and grime. Folllowed by a nuetralizing cleaning agent that restores the wood’s natural color.
What can I do to prevent my deck from “graying” out?
As with anything, aging is not completely preventable. However, regularly having your deck cleaned by a professional will help maintain its color longer. Staining a wood deck after cleaning will further protect the wood from enviromental factors, further delaying it’s aging/weathering.