Many homeowners want to keep their decks clean. Pressure washing is a quick way to remove dirt and mold. This blog will show the good and bad sides of using pressure washers on your deck.
Key Takeaways
- Pressure washing is a fast way to clean decks of dirt and mold. It gets your deck ready for new stain or sealant quickly.
- Using strong water jets can damage wood fibers, making the deck less sturdy and feel rough. This might need professional repairs.
- Uneven cleaning, like tiger striping, can happen if not done carefully. Use lower pressure and keep a steady distance to avoid this issue.
Pros of Pressure Washing Decks
Pressure washing decks efficiently cleans dirt and mold, preparing them quickly for staining or sealing. This approach saves time and money when properly used.
Efficient cleaning of dirt and mold
Pressure washing decks gets rid of built-up dirt and mold fast. This method uses a powerful stream of water to blast away grime, mildew, and other contaminants from the wood surface.
It can clean hard-to-reach areas without needing special tools or spending lots of time scrubbing by hand.
Using specialized cleaning solutions along with the pressure washer can make this process even more effective. These solutions help break down tough stains and mold, making it easier for the high-pressure water to rinse them away.
This results in a thoroughly clean wood deck ready for new stain or sealant, protecting it from future damage.
Quick preparation for staining or sealing
Pressure washing a deck clears away dirt and debris fast. This makes it ready for staining or sealing right after drying. This method gets rid of built-up grime and old paint that doesn’t look good anymore.
For DIY pressure washing, it’s key to use the right equipment and know how to do the job well. You don’t want any water getting into areas it shouldn’t, like near electrical outlets or deep into wood fibers.
Doing this speeds up the whole cleaning process. After pressure washing, your deck needs less time to dry before you can stain or seal it. This is because power washing removes water as quickly as it puts it on the surface.
Cons of Pressure Washing Decks
Pressure washing decks may lead to potential harm to wood fibers and the risk of uneven cleaning results, such as tiger striping. It’s important to be aware of these drawbacks before deciding whether pressure washing is the right approach for your deck.
Potential damage to wood fibers
Using a power washer on your deck can harm the wood fibers. This happens because the force of water from the power washer hits the deck hard. It might clean well, but it also makes the wood less strong and pretty.
The grains in the wood can break apart. This means your deck could get damaged faster over time.
Strong water jets also make small parts in the wood stand up. When these parts stand up, your deck feels rough instead of smooth. If you try to fix this by pressure washing more, it gets worse, not better.
So, while trying to save money doing it yourself, you might end up needing a pro to fix new problems.
Risk of uneven cleaning results, such as tiger striping
Uneven cleaning results like tiger striping can happen when pressure washing decks. This means some areas might end up cleaner than others, leaving behind noticeable uneven patterns.
It’s essential to be cautious as this can affect the overall appearance of your deck, making it look unkempt and unattractive. To avoid this issue, consider using a lower pressure setting and maintaining consistent distance while washing to ensure an even clean across the entire surface.
Best Pressure Washer Manufacturers
Choosing the right pressure washer starts with selecting a reliable manufacturer known for quality and durability.
- Kärcher: A pioneer in the industry, Kärcher offers a range of high-performance washers perfect for various applications.
- Simpson: Renowned for powerful and rugged washers, Simpson is favored by professionals for its dependable machines.
- Sun Joe: Known for innovative designs, Sun Joe provides versatile, user-friendly washers ideal for homeowner use.
- Briggs & Stratton: Dedicated to excellence, Briggs & Stratton combines power and advanced features in their pressure washer range.
- Bosch: Combining precision engineering and ergonomic design, Bosch offers efficient washers suitable for all cleaning needs.
FAQs
Pressure washing your deck is highly effective for removing built up dirt and mold. It gives a thorough cleaning, even in hard to reach areas. This method can restore the wood grain and life of your deck.
Yes, it can be time consuming particularly for large square footage areas. Also, if not done properly, high PSI (pounds per square inch) may damage surfaces like siding, windows or the wood grain itself.
Certainly! DIY pressure washing projects such as house or driveway cleaning are possible with proper equipment and active ingredient solutions but remember safety tips!
It depends on various factors like size of your deck (square footage), drying time required after washing and whether you’re doing it yourself or hiring a professional.
Trusting the Experts with Your Deck
Our team has been perfecting deck pressure washing for years. As industry professionals, we deliver top-tier results that save you money. Ready to start your deck building project here in Omaha?
We’re at your service in Omaha, Papillion, Bellevue, Gretna, Elkhorn, and more of Nebraska! Call us today at (402) 369-5724 or request a quote and let’s talk!
