The benefits of pressure washing your wooden deck once a year.

 There’s nothing like hanging out on the deck and enjoying a little time outdoors when the weather’s nice. Decks are a great investment for any family, but ownership does come with some responsibility. To keep your deck in good shape and enjoy its benefits in full, a yearly pressure washing is the minimum recommendation.

Given the fact that the deck is fully exposed to the elements, it’s subjected to various risks. Sunlight can wear off the surface fibers, while rain and snow can infiltrate through the surface, swelling or warping the wood. All these weaken the wood structure. Pressure washing can remedy the surface damage caused by the elements to your wood deck.

I find a lot of homeowners that look at their wooden deck and think the wood needs to be replaced because it’s become so dark and aged looking. Often in reality, the deck just needs a good cleaning to renew the surface. 

A yearly pressure washing can extend the life of your wooden deck by years. By pressure washing it, the surface will also be treated for algae, mildew, lichen, and moss growth. These microorganisms are highly destructive to wood if given enough time.

Mold, mildew, and algae are not just harmful to your deck, they’re not good for your health if the microorganisms are allowed to reproduce. The soft wash technique is the best method of deck pressure washing because it’s safe, kills the algae and mold, and prevents it from growing back. Be sure to get the yearly deck cleaning done to keep up with and prevent any new growth.

Also, while most decks are located in backyards, they still add a lot to the exterior appeal of a house. When the deck gets dirty after months or years, it turns dull looking and weathered. After pressure washing, the original color of the wood will be renewed. You’ll be amazed at what a difference it will make to your home’s curb appeal!

City Porches tips for Pressure Washing Your Wooden Deck (the Right Way)

Technique: Which is Right for You?

Not unlike many other things in life, technique is everything when it comes to getting the results you desire with pressure washing. Typically, one of two approaches is utilized when trying to renew the look and feel of your wooden deck: feathering and walking the nozzle. 

The first of these involves mastering the ability to maneuver angles using the pressure washer while slowly directing the nozzle away from the deck’s extremities. The second is quite possibly the most popular method, which involves simply walking the entire length of your deck or porch and starting or stopping the stream before and after changing direction.

Regardless of technique, you should plan to have a few materials on hand for the job. These include a garden hose, scrubbing brush, mop, bleach or detergent and a mop or sponge.