You probably know your deck is due for some TLC; however, you may have little or no clue as to what is truly involved with restoring a deck professionally. In fact, it seems like handing a professional a check and hoping for the best is about all you will ever find out about the “before” and “after” pictures taken of your deck.
Deck restoration is certainly a more complex procedure than simply applying some stain and walking away, yet it is far less mystical than many individuals would believe. Here is a detailed explanation of what a professional restoration contractor does to restore your deck.
The Assessment Phase
Before starting any restoration work, an evaluation must be conducted on the deck. This is not just a quick walk-around to evaluate the general condition of the deck. An evaluation will include assessing the structural integrity of the deck, identifying any rot, determining which boards are soft, and evaluating how well previous restoration efforts were able to protect the decking.
A professional restoration contractor is assessing the condition of the timber, determining if any boards will require replacement prior to being able to proceed with restoration, and identifying the optimal type of finish that will work with the deck based upon its age, type of timber, and amount of exposure to the elements.
All of these assessments will determine the course of action the contractor will follow to restore the deck. A deck that only requires cleaning and reapplication of a finish will be handled differently than a deck that has failed coatings that must be stripped, or a deck that is experiencing moisture-related degradation of the wood fibers.
Removing Old Finishes
In order to restore the deck properly, the old coatings must be removed. Coatings cannot be applied over the old coatings and allowed to fail. This will trap the problems under the new finish, and lead to premature failure of the new finish.
There are a variety of methods available to remove old coatings. Chemical strippers are commonly used to break down the old coatings. Sanding is also a common method used to remove the old coatings. In some cases, the contractor will use a combination of both chemical strippers and sanding to remove old coatings.
One of the major differences between a professional Deck Restoration contractor and a DIY enthusiast is the removal of old coatings. Removing old coatings completely, without damaging the underlying timber, takes considerable experience, and specialized equipment. If the old coatings are not completely removed, the new finish will not adhere properly to the timber.
Cleaning Deep to Remove Dirt, Mildew, Algae, Etc.
Following the removal of the old coatings, the next phase of the restoration process is cleaning. Cleaning is far more extensive than simply rinsing off the deck with a hose.
Professional cleaning services remove dirt, mildew, algae, and the gray oxidized wood fibers that develop on weathered timber. Typically, a combination of special cleaning agents and pressure washing at the appropriate psi is used during the cleaning phase. Too low of a psi will not effectively clean the deck, while too high of a psi will damage the wood.
The cleaning phase is where the greatest visual improvement occurs. As the gray, lifeless timber begins to display its natural color, the homeowner will begin to see a renewed appearance of the deck.
Decks that exhibit mildew or mold will receive additional treatment to eliminate the mildew/mold, and to ensure that the problem does not recur once the restoration is completed.
Preparing the Timber for Finishing
After cleaning the deck, the next phase is sanding. Not sanding lightly to touch up a few scratches, but sanding the entire deck to smooth the rough spots, remove splinters, and open the pores of the timber to allow the finish to penetrate.
Different grits are utilized to prepare the timber for finishing, depending on the condition of the timber. Initially, a coarse grit is used to prepare the surface, followed by progressively finer grits until the desired finish is achieved. Railings, posts, and edges of the deck will also be sanded.
Sanding takes time. On average, a professional restoration crew will spend a full day sanding a large enough deck to be considered decent sized. However, it is this process that ultimately determines whether the finish will last long-term, or if it will fail prematurely because the timber was not properly prepared.
Selecting and Applying the Appropriate Products
At this point in the restoration process, the selection of products becomes specific to the requirements of the deck. There is no “one-size-fits-all” solution for restoring a deck. Different problems require different solutions.
Oils are absorbed into the timber and feed the timber nutrients from the inside. Oils enhance the natural grain and color of the timber, and are easier to maintain in the future as they do not require stripping prior to reapplying. However, oils do not provide the same level of surface protection as other types of products.
Stains provide color to the timber, while allowing the grain of the timber to remain visible. Stains can be either water-based or oil-based, and are available in varying degrees of transparency. Semi-transparent stains will allow more of the grain of the timber to remain visible than will solid stains, which will provide greater coverage and UV protection.
Sealants provide a protective barrier on the surface of the timber. Sealants are ideal for high-traffic areas or for decks that are subjected to harsh environmental conditions. Many modern sealants contain UV inhibitors and/or water repellents.
The application of the selected products is as important as the products themselves. Contractors work in sections to maintain wet edges and avoid creating lap lines. Multiple coats are applied as necessary, with adequate time allowed for each coat to dry properly. Contractors are also concerned with the amount of product that the timber absorbs, and will adjust their application techniques accordingly.
Weather Conditions
As mentioned previously, contractors are also concerned with the weather during the application and curing of products. Temperature, humidity, and wind all impact the ability to successfully apply and cure the products. Because of this, many contractors schedule restorations for either the spring or fall when the weather is generally more predictable.
The Small Stuff That Makes All the Difference
While the larger surfaces receive the majority of the attention, professional restoration contractors do not overlook the small details that homeowners often miss. Under railings, between boards, around posts, and along the edges of the deck where the deck meets the house are all addressed.
These areas are frequently where moisture problems originate, and therefore receiving a proper finish is crucial for extending the life of the deck, not just its appearance.
Contractors also address the details such as masking areas that should not be sprayed with the product, protecting plant growth and surfaces located below the deck, and properly cleaning up the area once the restoration is complete.
Timeframe and Accessibility
Typically, the restoration process will take anywhere from 2-5 days, depending on the size of the deck, its condition, and what needs to be done. Inclement weather may delay the project further as products must be applied and cured in a dry environment.
Throughout the duration of the restoration, the deck will be unavailable for use. Therefore, furniture must be removed, children/pets must be kept off of the deck, and noise generated by equipment, as well as odors produced by cleaning products and/or finishes may be present.
Most restoration contractors will provide a clear estimate of the timeframe required for completion, as well as account for any potential delays caused by weather or unforeseen issues that are not identified until the work begins.
What You Are Left With
Upon completion of the restoration, you will have a deck that appears almost as good as new, and protected from the elements, UV radiation, and moisture. The timber will have regained its original color, the surface will be even, and the entire deck will have a uniform finish.
However, the true value lies in the increased lifespan of the deck. A deck that is properly restored can continue to perform for another 3-5 years before requiring attention again, whereas a deck that is weathered or failing will degrade further with each rain and sunny day.
