Deck and Fence Washing in Kannapolis

Wood is where a pressure washer does the most damage in the least time. One pass too close and you've got fuzzy, splintered boards that look worse than before. So decks and fences should be treated more like siding than like concrete.

Deck washing in Kannapolis

Wood decks. Pressure-treated pine, cedar and other woods turn gray as the sun breaks down the surface fibers. Add mildew from our humid summers and a layer of pine pollen, and you get that dull, blotchy look. A good process:

1. Sweep off debris and clear between boards where possible.
2. Pre-wet nearby plants and the siding next to the deck.
3. Apply a cleaning solution that lifts gray, mildew and dirt.
4. Rinse at low pressure, working with the grain.
5. Apply a wood brightener on wood that's going to be stained. Brightener evens out the color and helps the stain soak in.

Composite decks. Composite doesn't turn gray like wood, but it collects mildew, pollen and food stains, especially in the shaded spots. It gets a soft wash and a gentle rinse. No brightener needed.

Railings, stairs and the tops of posts get cleaned too. Under-deck areas can be added if they're reachable.

Fence washing

Wood fences. Most wood fences around here go green on the shaded side and gray on the sunny side. A soft wash takes the green off and lightens the gray. If you're planning to stain, ask for brightener.

Vinyl fences. Vinyl gets green algae and red clay splash along the bottom. It cleans up easily with a soft wash. No high pressure, which can crack older or brittle vinyl.

Both sides of the fence get cleaned when the crew has access. If the back side faces a neighbor's yard, they'll do what they can reach or ask you to check with the neighbor first.

Drying time before you stain

This part trips people up. Wood holds a lot of water after a wash. If you stain too soon, the stain won't soak in and will peel or blotch.

• Give wood at least 48 hours of dry weather after washing.
• In humid stretches of summer, wait longer, sometimes several days.
• A simple test: sprinkle water on the boards. If it beads, wait. If it soaks in, the wood is ready.

This service covers cleaning and brightening. Staining or sealing wood decks and fences isn't included. That's a separate job, and you can do it yourself or hire a painter once the wood dries.

What a good crew won't do

• Blast wood with high pressure. That's what causes furring and splinters.
• Promise to remove deep rot, old peeling stain or water damage. They should point it out instead.
• Wash a rotten or loose board without telling you first. Stepping on one is how people get hurt.

Before the crew arrives

• Move furniture, grills, rugs and planters off the deck.
• Clear items leaning against the fence.
• Keep pets inside and make sure gates are unlocked.
• Show the crew where your outside spigot is.

A typical deck takes one to three hours. A long fence line can take a half day or more depending on height, length and how many sides are being cleaned.

How often

Wash decks once a year, usually in spring after pollen falls. Fences every year or two, or whenever the green comes back on the shady side.

Combine and save

Deck and fence work pairs well with a house soft wash and a driveway cleaning. One trip, one setup. Size, board condition and how much gray or green is on the wood set the price. See the price guide for what moves the cost, or call (980) 324-2648 for a firm quote.