Our outdoor areas are meant to be used; whether it’s for a barbecue on a sunny deck or a fence-based conversation with neighbors. But over time, their appeal can be lost to moss, algae, dirt, and severe weather. It’s time for a thorough cleaning if your once-golden deck is green or if grime covers your fence. Regular deck and fence washing helps them last longer, maintains their safety to use, and not only restores their beauty.
Why Deck and Fence Washing is Important?
Unchecked, the elements can indeed severely damage your fence and deck. Here are a few main reasons professional washing is well worth it:
- Prevent Slip Hazards:Â A slick film produced by algae and mildew can turn your deck into an accident zone. Actually, even the Royal Horticultural Society notes that these growths make wood quite slippery. Regular cleaning gets this slime out so your deck remains safe for walking on.
- Boost Curb Appeal: The appearance of your entire property may suffer from a dirty, weathered fence or green stained deck. Washing the dirt straightens the natural color and grain of the wood, so enhancing the appearance of your yard.
- Prevent Rot and Decay: Moss and lichen on your boards help to retain moisture, so accelerating rot. By cleaning them off, the wood dries correctly following rain, so preventing decay. The lifetime of your deck or fence can be much increased by keeping it dry and clean.
Battling Weather: PNW Rains
Our Pacific Northwest and Midwest climates allow outdoor wood to be hit with a bit of everything:
Rainy seasons: Frequent rain and high humidity in areas like western Washington cause wood to be always moist. If leaves or pine needles accumulate on a damp deck, they provide the ideal habitat for algae, moss, even black mold to flourish, so staining and weakening the wood.
Mother Nature is hard on exterior wood wherever you live. An occasional thorough deck and fence washing is quite important. It resets the clock, clearing your deck and fence of the gunk left by the weather.
Cleaning the Right Way (Leave it to the Pros!)
Many people who want to do the work themselves think about leasing a power washer, but be careful; using the wrong cleaners or too much pressure could damage wood, remove paint, or even kill the plants around. Professionals provide exactly what proper deck and fence washing calls for—the right touch and know-how.
Expert methods for deck and fence washing:
- Gentle but Effective Tools: To wash away algae and dirt without gouging wood or peeling paint, our knowledgeable Cornerstone Cleaning technicians use a soft washing technique—low pressure plus special cleansers. Every substance gets the right cleaning technique.
- Eco-Friendly Cleaners: We select environmentally friendly cleaners that break down mold and dirt without damaging your lawn or garden, using biodegradable products. While still completely cleaning mildew and grime, this guards your landscaping (as well as any pets or children playing outside).
- Skill and Experience: Our qualified staff is adept at spot cleaning the difficult areas. Between deck boards, we clean and ensure no soapy residue remains. Should the finish of your deck be delicate or your fence paint be peeling, we will modify our approach to prevent damage.
This relieves the effort and possible mess of do-it-yourself projects.
Long-Term Care for Your Outdoor Wood
Cleaning your fence and deck is not a one-time chore. Actually, a good rule of thumb is to give your deck a good wash once a year; many homes decide to do this in spring. Just sweeping leaves and dirt between those deep cleans will help your wood remain in good shape. And once a professional wash is over, think about sealing the wood to guard against UV light and moisture until the next one.
All set to revitalize your outdoor areas? Cornerstone Cleaning can assist you whether your fence in Minnesota has seen too many winters or your deck in Seattle is green with algae. Get in touch with us right now for a friendly, free consultation on deck and fence washing to enjoy a year-round safe, beautiful yard.
