DECK & DOCK RESTORATION
The life expectancy of a lumber product is related to a number of factors. Directly related to the life expectancy is the grade and quailty of the manufacturing process and the characteristics of the particular species. Indirectly related is how the product is stored, installed and maintained. Under ideal conditions wood can have close to an indefinite life. According to The National Association of Home Builders wood siding has a life expectancy of 10 years if left unprotected and in a moistened state. But if the wood is properly protected it can last up to 100 years. Decks, docks and fencing on the other hand have a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years. However, this number can increase signifacantly if the wood is kept sealed and properly maintained. The weathering process of wood is a combination of biological, chemical and UV radiation induced processes that changes the composition of the wood. Moisture, sunlight, pollution and airborne fungus all contribute to the breakdown of the wood. This decomposition is actually the chemical destruction of lignin, the glue that holds the wood cells together. When the lignin breaks down it turns into gray dead wood fibers and the wood will slowly continue to erode. If the process is not stopped, the wood will start to split, cup, and warp until finally it will have to be replaced.
Decks and docks being horizonal surfaces hold water longer than vertical surfaces which accelerates damage. Moreover, these horizonal surfaces will recieve up to 40 to 50 percent more UV radition from sunlight than lap siding or a log wall. Splits in the wood are caused by moisture swelling the wood and excessive drying and shrinking that leaches out the natural oils of the wood leaving the cell walls to collapse and pull apart leaving cracks. Spliting can be prevented if the wood is sealed early in it's life and maintained. Nothing will repair the cracked, split damaged wood short of replacing it, but it can be slowed or stopped from further damage by a routine quailty maintenance program.
Make no mistake, wood is high maintenance, thats a given. The question is how do we properly maintain it. Log homes, decks, docks or what ever the structure, restoration and maintenance are basically the same. There are some variances depending on the speices of wood and individual sealer applacations but the process remains consistant. Proper wood prepration, proper moisture content and proper sealer and sealer applacation. We are experenced in stripping old and failed finishes using the latest technology in equipment, cleaning and stripping compounds and techniques.
Probably the most important in the restoration process is proper prepration, and we take the time to fully complete this important step. Neutralizing the wood is the most over looked or neglected aspect of the process. Most contractors are not aware of the process or they are just in to big of a hurry to do it right. If any caustic cleaner or stripper is used, it MUST be neutralized or the chemicals can interact with the sealer causing a premature finish failure. To complete the job, we apply the proper sealer only after we have sastified the moisture content requirment. Only then will the finish penetrate and adhere properly.
The nine year old stairway/dock pictured above had never had any type of maintenance performed since it was built. After removing the "dead wood" and exposing clean bare wood, we did some heavy disc sanding followed by a finish sanding to remove all the splinters and raised grain on the handrails caused by the years of harsh weather. The homeowner decided on a two-tone application. The decking, steps and risers were sealed with a warm pecan brown semi-transparent oil based finish, and the railings and stringers were sealed with a solid brillant white latex stain. The dark brown really contrasts with the white while still allowing the natural wood grain to show through. This deck is well protected from the damaging UV radiation that causes unprotected wood to split, cup and warp that eventually leads to expensive repairs.
Let us save your deck or dock. We will evaluate the wood and explain what options are available. We will go through each process step by step so you can make an informed decision that best suits your needs. We will complete the job on time using only the best contractor grade restoration chemicals and sealers, quailty workmanship and a promise of guaranteed satisfaction.
If you want to do the work yourself, give us a call, we will help you decide the best method and product for your project. It's alot of work and alot of money to invest.....lets do it right.
For the contractors......Please don't pretend to be a homeowner. I will help anyone who is truthful and willing to learn and PRACTICE proper procedure and work ethics. Lets raise the industry standard together!
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