Below you will find answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about our deck maintenance service.  If you need additional information, please contact us at support@deckshield.com   Also, you can select a topic from the categories on the left side of this screen to get even more detailed information.

How does Deckshield clean a deck?

Cleaning is performed using a pressure washing machine.  Typically, the washer produces approximately 2500 PSI using a 40 degree tip.  With a 40 degree tip, the effective pressure is greatly reduced which minimizes the risk of damage to the deck surface. 

Does pressure washing remove old stain?

Unless a chemical stripper is used, pressure washing alone will not remove stain from a deck.   Chemical stripping is a service we offer and your local certificed contractor can provide you with specific details concerning your cleaning project.

Do I need to remove everything from the deck before you arrive?

Yes, we strongly urge you to clear the deck of all items to insure that nothing get’s dropped or damaged by being moved around.

Does Deckshield spray on the sealant or paint it on?

Deckshield prefers to use the brushing method yet there is nothing wrong with spraying.  The fact is, the only way to make an error while coating a deck is by getting the sealant on the house.  Deckshield believes that painting a deck is the safest way to insure that nothing gets on your siding!

What is the best watersealant to use?

As you might imagine, Deckshield often receives questions like "what is the best sealant to use?" or "what is the difference between Low pressure and High pressure washing?".  To accurately respond to these questions, we have developed a section on the site called "DECKSHIELD Professional Reports".  You will find this title on the left side of the Home Page screen.  Several topics that we have researched over time are discussed at length once the information is tested for accuracy.  Please take a minute to view the topics and read through the information.  If you don’t find what you need, contact us.   www.deckshield.com/reports/index_E.html

How long do sealants last?

When discussing how long sealants "last", we always define that term.  In most cases, when folks refer to "lasting", they are asking how long the deck will look good.  Clear sealants (no color at all) do not prevent the deck from getting gray so they tend to last approximately 1 year.  Within a few months of applying a clear sealant, you will see the deck start to get hazy looking and after a full season (year), you will likely want us to come back out to clean and seal the deck again.  UV sealants last approximately 2 years.  The Cedar Tone we recommend will start to break down after about 1 year and by the end of the second year, the sealant will appear very light and faded.

Are there any sealants on the market that last more than 2 years?

There are sealants on the market that repel water for more than two years but in most cases, due to weather, mold, mildew, algae and various discolorations, you will likely feel as though the deck should be re-done every two years.  That same theory also holds true for paints and solid stains.  "Redone" refers to cleaning and sealing.

Should my new deck "breath" for a year prior to watersealing it?

NO!  Pressure treated pine should be sealed immediately in order to reduce the rate of moisture loss.  One of the "Deckshield" recurring themes regarding deck maintenance is to "maintain moisture content".  Deck watersealants are not "waterproofers" but rather they allow moisture to enter and exit the wood at a greatly reduced rate.  If you don’t seal your new deck, you will experience rapid moisture loss and this will cause the deck to crack, cup and check within the first year.  Remember, pressure treated pine is treated in the factory with a water based chemical and thus the wood is saturated when it arrives at your site.  Bottom line - put a clear sealant on the deck the day after it is completed!

Should I use a water based sealant or an oil based sealant on my Pressure Treated Pine Deck?

The pressure treatment process uses water as the chemical carrier which is why pressure treated wood appears to be wet.  The fact is, it IS wet!  Oil based sealants will not penetrate as thoroughly as water based sealants since the oil will not be absorbed by the water.  Therefore, we strongly recommend water based sealants for Pressure Treated Pine Decks.

My deck is trex or some other "composite" decking.  Does this need to be maintained?

All composite decking gets dirty (mold, mildew, algae, etc.) which requires it to be cleaned.  Deckshield uses an oxy wash (sodium percarbonate) cleaner to kill the surface contaminates and then pressure wash it clean.  Composite decking does not need to be sealed yet it can be stained if you like that look.