Servicing Cary, Apex & Holly Springs

 

......Since 2001

 

1103 Castalia Dr.

Cary,  N.C.

919-201-2992

 

 

DECK CLEANING, STAINING & SEALING

 

            

     Deckwashing             Redwood Semi

   

                   

 Calif.Cedar TWP        Butternut TWP

(Click to Enlarge)

                                CUSTOMER PREPARATION:

Grimebusters will remove, work around or cover all large objects on your deck. We ask that you remove or take inside all small and/or delicate things such as wind chimes, hanging items, small pots, art work, etc. Also, if you have a sliding glass door or an older wooden door that opens to the deck you may want to put a towel down on the inside to prevent water from leaking in during pressure washing. Do not put objects back on the deck during the night as they will keep moisture underneath them and prevent adequate drying of then wood prior to sealing.

                                               COST:

A 10x 12ft. untreated deck with 3-4 steps can be sealed for about $175-200 including labor and material. The treatment will last 1-3 years depending on sun/shade conditions and age of wood. Add $75 for powerwashing if removal of grey oxidized wood surface is desired. (This is recommended to give the brightest final appearance)

STAINING VS SEALING:

By common understanding when some one says, "Seal"  referring to outdoor wood projects they usually mean seal and stain; at the same time with the same product. This is because of exposure to water as well as sunlight. Sealing is for water exposure and staining is for sunlight exposure (as well as cosmetic appearance). Sunlight oxidizes and 'grays' the surface cells of the wood.

WHEN TO SEAL:

Sealing wood can be done immediately; even new wood that is pressure treated can be sealed sooner than you might think. You can test the readiness by pouring a little linseed oil on the wood surface and rubbing it in to see if it will absorb into the wood fibers. If the wood fibers are too full of chemicals the linseed won't absorb and the deck needs to dry out longer. The waiting period is totally dependent on how porous the wood is and how long the wood was sitting before it was purchased. If the surface of the wood is beginning to gray then it is past the optimal time to seal. Kiln dried wood is the best (available at Capital City Lumbar and other true lumber yards). It can be sealed immediately and won't warp and bend as much as some wood found in home stores.

HOW LONG DOES IT LAST?

TWP will last about 1-2 years on horizontal surfaces in direct sunlight (2-3yrs in shade). The pickets will not need resealing for about twice as long as the horizontal wood (steps, handrails, and decking).

WHY SEAL:

Water ages wood. Sealing fights aging by treating the wood fibers with something that will prevent contact with water.  This can be done either with a topical coating such as "Thompson's" which is a surface wax type product that wears off in a few months, or a product such as "TWP" which is linseed based and penetrates the fibers deeply lasting 1-3 years. Paint and solid colored stains are also types of sealants.

SEALING PRODUCTS:

I use linseed based sealants such as TWP as my preferred products. Unlike inexpensive surface waxes, linseed sinks deep into the wood. And unlike the popular and expensive "colored glues" commonly found in home stores (which are Alkyd/Acrylic or water/oil combinations) they won't suddenly crack and peal or turn wood permanently dark in direct sunlight. Beware of the phrase "Easy water clean-up". The water/oil combo products are difficult to apply evenly. You must keep a wet edge of 20-30 seconds maximum in the hot weather or you will have permanent color/lap marks. You must apply only one very thin coat and never let it run. Also it is nearly impossible to get off of anything after only a few minutes in the hot sun! Linseed stain/sealants goes on evenly, will evaporate when it runs, and wipes off siding like vegetable oil. It does not need stripping but only light pressure washing to re-apply in the future.

Solid colored stains have both paint pigments and stain and sealing chemicals in them. The advantage is that you can add colors other than natural wood tones found in true stains. The disadvantage is that even application is a little more difficult and walking wear will show as a color difference after a short time.The product TWP can be purchased at Capital City Lumber in Raleigh near Blue Ridge Rd.& Hillsborough St.

 

 

                               HOW TO SEAL IT YOURSELF:

Deck must be dry for at least one day prior to sealing. The handrails and pickets can be sealed with a natural bristle staining brush or a 3x6 styrofoam "Handy Painter" by 'Shur-line' from Lowes or Home Depot. The walkboards can be sealed with the above or for quicker results use a 9"exterior deck staining sponge/mop, also by 'Shur-line' and a paint roller pan also available at the paint dep. of Lowes or HD. You may also spray TWP with a cheap Wagner sprayer to do the pickets more quickly. Overspray runs will evaporate on their own. Product on a painted surface will either wipe right off or come off easily with a little mineral spirits. Vinyl surfaces need mineral spirits right away for best results, but will come 90% even a week later. White vinyl corner pieces DO NOT COME CLEAN AT ALL! Always wrap them with clear packing tape or plastic first. Plants must be covered if spraying as they will be greatly affected otherwise. Surface can be walked on right away;  as soon as product looks dry it is dry. Rain can come down right away as well.