A MESSAGE FROM OUR GENERAL MANAGER, RUSS HEARING

Decks...Maintenance and Restoration

In the west most decks are constructed of redwood. This is because California redwood is naturally resistant to rot and insects. Redwood is also less prone to warping and cracking due to its natural stability.

So, you're probably asking "what does all this have to do with the dirty old gray deck hanging off the back of my customer's house?" Good news! There is hope for that structure. Your customer can restore the beauty of their deck with relatively little effort.

PREPARATION Weathered gray deck boards can be easily restored by using one of a variety of methods. Proper surface preparation is essential for maximum stain effectiveness. It is quite important that a deck be clean, dry and free of loose wood fiber. There are many chemical wood cleaners readily available to home owners these days. Some cleaners contain oxalic or phosphoric acids, sodium hydroxide (bleach) or other effective, yet potentially harmful ingredients.

One very effective 'Wood Renewer' on the market today is produced by Preserva- Products Inc. It contains citric acid; an environmentally safe, user friendly ingredient regularly used in food products. Regardless of your product choice, it's important to read and follow the manufacturer's application recommendations.

Another popular cleaning method is water-blasting. This process, while very effective, can cause severe wood damage if not properly executed. Water-blasting units range from 500 psi (pounds per square inch) to 4000 psi. Unless in the hands of a professional, the more powerful water blasters can create irreparable scarring. The use of 'Wood Renewer' in conjunction with water blasting, set at approximately 1000 psi, will allow for better cleaning with minimal or no damage. Many units are equipped with siphon/injection features to aid in this process.

The third method of preparation is sanding. Sanding effectively removes pigmented finishes, as well as discoloration caused by dirt, dust, car emission and tree pollen. Nail heads should be set below the surface before sanding. Setting the nails will extend the life of the sand paper and prevent nail stains. Never use steel wool or wire brushes as metal particles may become embedded in the wood and can cause staining, due to ferrous oxide contamination.

SELECTING THE RIGHT FINISH
After proper preparation, it is time to apply a quality, organic oil-based wood finish to your deck. A quality deck finish is one that protects against sun, water and mildew. For durability, it is important to use a product that contains alkyd resin. There are many, so called, wood finishes on the market today that do not address all areas of protection.

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To achieve a lasting redwood color, or any other natural tone, an easily--applied oil- based deck stain may be used. According to the California Redwood Association, a lightly pigmented stain will add color without obscuring the grain, thus allowing a more natural appearance. Also, a pigmented product will provide far better color retention than a clear finish.

Do your homework. Know how to direct your customer. Call the deck finish manufacturers and ask specific questions. Preserva-Products Inc. offers an information hot line at 1-800-PW SALES (797-2537) during regular business hours.

APPLICATION TIPS Naturally, as with any pigmented product, shake or stir well before using and keep stirred during application. When using more than one container of the same product, mix together the entire amount needed before applying. This will assure color uniformity.

Never apply deck stain in direct sunlight or onto a hot deck (if alternative times are possible). Try to work in the shade, and apply the stain only to surfaces that will be in the shade for awhile. This will allow the stain to penetrate deep into the surface prior to drying. To avoid lap marks, keep a wet edge. Start at one edge and follow through to the end of the boards.

Apply only as much stain as the wood will absorb. No excess fluid should be noticeable 15 to 20 minutes after application. If puddles occur, wipe-up excess using a rag damp with paint thinner. To avoid the possibility of spontaneous combustion, wash oil soaked cloth, paper or other application materials in water and dry outdoors away from sun, heat, flame or combustibles. After air dried, dispose of in accordance with-city or county regulation.

MAINTENANCE Re-application is required after old finish has lost its effectiveness. In severe or harsh climates, re-application may be required every 12 to 18 months. In milder climates, reapplication may not be necessary for 2 to 3 years. Severity of exposure is the determining factor. In view of the investment being protected, the honest answer to the question "how often must I re-treat?' is "as often as is necessary".

WRAP-UP The bottom line ... If your customer does not want to maintain their deck, you might as well cover it with astro turf Great looking decks are not difficult to maintain, but one can't just ignore them and expect them to last. With a little time, effort and money your customers can enjoy a beautiful outdoor deck year after year.

Let's get to work!