Using a high-pressure water jet to remove dirt, grime, and other debris from the surface is known as power washing your deck. This technique can be a terrific way to improve the appearance of your deck quickly and effectively. There are a few drawbacks to consider, though.
Power washing may pose a problem since it can be overly forceful for some types of wood. The intense pressure of the water can actually harm the surface and cause it to splinter or warp if your deck is constructed of softer wood, like cedar or pine. Additionally, you run the risk of leaving difficult-to-repair marks or gouges if you apply too much pressure or hold the nozzle too closely to the wood. Power washing also has the drawback of potentially leaving your deck wet, which can be troublesome if it starts to rain right after you finish cleaning. If you don’t give the wood enough time to dry completely, mold, mildew, and other problems may develop that eventually cause damage to your deck. Sanding Your Deck: Benefits and Drawbacks
Your deck can be sanded to expose a brand-new surface by removing the top layer of wood using a sander or sandpaper. If your deck has several scratches, stains, or other flaws that you want to remove, this technique is great. Sanding, however, can be labor- and time-intensive, particularly if your deck is big.
Sanding has the benefit of removing any rough edges or splinters from the wood, making your deck more comfortable to walk on. Sanding is also a more gentle method than power cleaning, making it less likely to harm the wood.
Sanding, however, also has drawbacks. One reason is that it could be challenging to reach every crevice in your deck, which might make some of them appear uneven or unfinished. Sanding can also be untidy because it produces a lot of sawdust that can be challenging to remove.
So, which approach—power washing or sanding—is better for your deck? The type of wood used to build your deck, its state, and your tastes are just a few of the variables that will affect the response.
Power cleaning can be the best choice for a modern deck that is in good shape and only needs a quick clean. Sanding, however, can be a preferable option if your deck is older, has several scratches or stains, or is composed of softer wood.
There are a few things to bear in mind regardless of the strategy you select. To prevent harming the wood, make sure to first take your time and work cautiously. Second, give your deck plenty of time to dry completely before using it once more. Finally, to ensure that your deck continues to look fantastic for many years to come, think about sealing it after cleaning. What Happens If I Power Wash My Deck Then It Rains?
It could be an issue if it starts to rain soon after you power wash your deck. Water can permeate the wood, causing it to expand or distort, which might result in long-term harm. It’s advisable to wait until you have a few consecutive dry days before power cleaning your deck in order to avoid this problem. Before using your deck again, make sure to give the wood plenty of time to dry thoroughly.
Popular cleaning agent OxiClean works well on a range of surfaces, including wood. However, it’s crucial to properly dilute OxiClean and adhere to the manufacturer’s recommendations if you intend to use it on your wood deck. After cleaning, make sure to give your deck a thorough rinse to get rid of any leftover cleaner.
Do Decks Get Damaged by Jet Washing? Jet washing is a fantastic way to clean your deck, but some types of wood may find it to be too abrasive. Too much pressure or holding the nozzle too near to the wood might result in damage that is challenging to fix. Jet washing can also result in a wet deck, which might be troublesome if it starts to rain right after you finish cleaning. It’s better to start with a lower pressure setting and gradually increase it until you reach the ideal pressure for your particular needs in order to prevent ruining your deck. What Should You Do After Power Washing Your Deck?
It’s crucial to give your deck plenty of time to dry completely after power washing it before utilizing it once more. In order to keep your deck looking fantastic for many years to come, you might also want to think about applying a protective coating or sealer. To keep your deck looking its best, be sure to pick up any debris or sawdust that was generated during the cleaning process.