Remember when your deck looked like this?

The best way to keep your deck looking great is to regularly clean and stain/seal it. Deck cleaning will reduce the damaged done by mold, dirt, pollen, etc. Deck staining will block UV rays and at the same time nourish the wood with the oils it needs.

Decks (and wood fences) really take a beating in our hot, damp North Carolina weather – especially if they are not protected. Go here for Composite/Trex® deck information.

Here are some warning signs that your investment needs attention:

•  Water on the surface soaks in rapidly
•  Gray color (UV damage)
•  Green or black color (mildew/mold)
•  Warped or split boards
•  Nails popping up

It’s never too late to stop further damage and make your deck or fence a source of pride again. The results can really be dramatic. See pictures of our work.

Want to Save Money?   Introducing DIY+   New for 2012!

Hiring a company to clean and stain your deck can be expensive – we understand that. You may have the desire to do it yourself but do not own a pressure washer or even know where to begin. It can be overwhelming. That is why we are offering a new service called DIY+. We will professionally clean your deck and give you our How-To Guide so you can stain it yourself.

This awesome How-To Guide gives you details like:

• What stain to use
• What supplies to buy
• Staining Procedures
• Tips to make it easier

The How-To Guide is FREE with your DIY+ package.  It’s the perfect way to save money by doing it yourself while avoiding the common mistakes many do-it-yourselfers make.

Common Deck Staining Questions

1. Question: My deck is made of pressure treated lumber. Do I still need to seal it?
   Answer: Yes you do. The pressure treating process protects against insect attack and rotting but not much else.
2. Question: I heard that pressure treated lumber should not be sealed for a year, is that right?
   Answer: We do not recommend waiting a year. If not protected, the lumber can start to crack and warp soon after installation.
3. Question: I know I should clean my deck before sealing it. Should I use bleach?
   Answer: Be careful with bleach. If not used properly it can breakdown and damage wood.
4. Question: Are all stains about the same thing?
   Answer: No. Products vary a great deal. Some are very difficult to maintain from year to year.
5. Question: I heard that Thompson’s Water Seal is good. Is that true?
   Answer: Well, Thompson’s has some great advertising and we all know that it will make water “bead” on the surface. However, there are much better choices available.
6. Question: How do I make the right decision about what to do with my deck?
   Answer: Contact a professional who specializes in wood care. No offense, but the person at the “big box store” may not have the best advice for you. Don’t make a mistake by putting on the wrong product or using the wrong technique. It is always less expensive to do it right the first time than to have to undo a mistake and try again.

According to research conducted by Consumer Reports®, most deck problems can be attributed to 5 things.

1. Never Cleaned/Pressure Washed.
   Whether sealed or unsealed, all decks should be at least cleaned regularly to keep mold from taking hold deep into the wood fibers.
2. Never Stained/Sealed.
   An unsealed deck has nothing to protect it from UV damage and the wet/dry cycling (which causes swelling and shrinking) that will lead to cracking.
3. Ignoring Splinters and Popped Nails.
   Don’t let these become a safety hazard.
4. Ignoring Mold and Mildew.
   As already stated, mold and mildew are bad for wood and can make your deck very slippery.
5. Ignoring Structural Problems.
   Rotten boards are a symptom of an already neglected deck.

Real Estate experts tell us that a nice deck can really add value to a home. Likewise, a dirty, moldy deck can rob your home of value. Stop the weather’s assault on your property. Call Heritage Restoration to get started today.

Source: Consumer Reports® Magazine June 2010.

The Effects of Rain and Dew on a Deck

Most decks built in North Carolina are made from Pine – Southern Yellow Pine to be more exact. It’s a great material because of its relatively low cost and longevity when “pressure treated”. Pressure treating was invented over 80 years ago and while there have been some changes since then, one thing remains the same – pressure treated lumber is wonderful stuff.

And although the pressure treatment helps the lumber resist rotting due to insect infestation and fungus, it does not protect against everything.

One of the main drawbacks of the pressure treating process is that it makes the lumber more susceptible to wet/dry cycling. What that means is that the pressure treating process makes the wood more “open” and porous. So, every time it rains, the wood acts as a sponge, soaks up the water, and swells. Then, when it dries, the wood shrinks. This cycle will cause your deck or fence to warp, split or crack.

It will not be long before warped, cracked and split boards will make your deck or fence look like it is in disrepair.

The best way to minimize the effects of wet/dry cycling is to protect your deck or fence with a stain/sealer. Be careful though – all stains are not equal and preparation is very important.

So, not protecting your wood can cost you, and trying the wrong product or technique could be worse. Please don’t make a costly mistake. Contact a professional who specializes in deck and fence care like Heritage Restoration who can help you determine what would work best in your situation.

Shopping for a Deck Staining Contractor in Jacksonville, NC?

Here are some tips:

• If you get more than one quote make sure they are in writing and detailed enough so you will be able to compare them easily.
• Ask questions. What type of stain will be used? How can this stain/sealer be maintained in the future? Can it be recoated later?
• Where do they get their products? At Lowe’s, Home Depot? (Most big box store brands are not “Professional” grade products).
• Is a deposit required? Some jobs warrant a deposit, but we do not recommend giving more than 20%.
• Do not necessarily go with the cheapest quote! Ask yourself – which contractor was the most professional? Which one seemed to have the most knowledge of the type of work you need? Keep in mind, most of the time, you get what you pay for.