DeCKING Cleaning SPECIALIST SERVICES
Decking Cleaning Services
Decking Protective Treatment Services
Information on Decking Oils and Decking Stains
Our fully trained and skilled technicians can advise you on the complete cleaning and treatment process along with recommendations for the most suitable products for your project and can provide a tailored solution to exceed your specific requirements,
Our services and technicians are covered by full public liability insurance and operate within strict health & safety policies, providing all our customers with an important peace of mind.
All our services are undertaken with professional commercial machinery and industry leading cleaning solutions and materials, providing far superior results and impact which can not be achieved from the use of retail/domestic equipment.
We never compromise quality for time and provide our clients with realistic schedules and project plans that accommodate their lives and business activities. We strive for honest customer service and to exceed customer expectations, therefore projects are only paid in full when the finished project is to your complete satisfaction.
Why it is important to maintain your decking?
UV rays and hot temperatures in the spring/summer can dry out and lighten or crack the surface and wind/rain in the autumn/winter can promote algae growth and dangerous slippery surfaces.
Adding to the effects of everyday wear and tear, it is essential that the decking is maintained, preserving it against expensive repairs or even replacement and ensuring your deck is looking its best and in tip-top condition for a for safe and long-lasting life, providing garden pleasure and alfresco fun.
The 2 most common effects of damaged decking are as follows:
Blackened wood caused by fungus growing on the surface of the wood and the primary cause of dangerous slippery surfaces. This usually happens when water gets in and reacts with the natural tannin in the wood. Different woods contain different amounts of tannin, so the problem varies in intensity. we can remove fungus and algae using industry leading anti fungal treatments.
Greying or silvering of the wood happens when it’s sun-damaged. if you want the wood to retain its lovely colour, we can reverse the process using industry leading products which can can help to restore faded wood back to its natural colour.
Our Deck Cleaning Services
Our fully trained technicians will advise you on the complete cleaning process and their extensive industry knowledge and experience, enables them to answer any questions you may have. All our services are undertaken with full public liability insurance and in accordance with the relevant health and safety regulations.
Our Process for cleaning decking?
Removal of all removable garden furniture, tables, chairs, plant pots, barbecues and ornaments.
Sweep away any loose debris from the cleaning area.
cover any surrounding areas i.e. plants and ponds which could be affected by cleaning solutions.
Light pressure wash of the area, using specialist techniques to prevent wood splintering or wood markings.
Manually scrub industry leading anti fungi solution onto the cleaning area to remove any remaining bacterial spores.
Apply industry leading wood brightener (dependent upon your chosen oil or stain treatment).
Rinse the cleaned area with clean water.
Re-placement of all removable garden furniture, tables, chairs, plant pots, barbecues and ornaments.
Our Decking Protective Treatment Services
Our fully trained technicians will advise you on the complete treatment process and their extensive industry knowledge and experience, enables them to answer any questions you may have regarding the most suitable treatment products for your project. All our services are undertaken with full public liability insurance and in accordance with the relevant health and safety regulations.
Our Process for application of decking treatments?
Decking treatments (oils & stains) can only be applied following the pressure washing and anti-fungi cleaning of the deck. Decking Oils and stains should only be applied when the deck is dry (usually minimum 2 days post cleaning).
Removal of all removable garden furniture, tables, chairs, plant pots, barbecues and ornaments.
Check for loose nails and screws within the treatment area and secure by tightening or replacing.
Sand any rough areas within the treatment area to remove any splintered wood.
Sweep away any debris and dust from the surface area which the treatment is to be applied.
Apply the chosen treatment via brushes and sponges ensuring the treatment absorbs into the wooden surface.
Dependent upon the woods absorption rate a second or third application may be required (2 applications would usually be required to fully protect the woods surface and is the recommendation by most product suppliers).
Information on Decking Oils and Decking Stains
Which is the better, decking oil or stain, Which is best? What are these differences?
In summary, both decking oils and decking stains come in a wide range of natural wood tones and colours, Decking stains tend to coat the wood whilst decking oils penetrate into the wood.
About decking oils – Decking oils penetrate into the wood and become a part of it, with only a small amount remaining on the surface. The grain tends to show through beautifully and the wood retains its natural texture. An oil-based decking product is advantageous because it’s easier to maintain and repair. Most people also prefer to see the natural wood grain rather than cover it up.
About decking stains (sealers) – Decking sealers bond to produce a film on the surface, a lot like a varnish or paint. Because sealers sit on the surface the grain is slightly obscured, more like a semi-translucent paint. It also feels smooth, without much texture. A sealer is more problematic because at some point it will start to peel and flake. It’s just a case of when. This means you have to remove the flaky areas before you can re-coat your deck with something similar, If you don’t deal with the flaking, it peels and flakes even more.
Decking Oil Benefits
Many contain UV filters to slow down the effects of UV and water damage to the timber.
Helps to replace the lost natural oils of the timber.
Works from within to keep the wood supple therefore helping to prevent cracking, splitting and warping of the decking boards.
Easy to clean, maintain and repair. No need to strip back to bare wood before applying a replenishing top coat.
Decking oils will not crack, peel or flake from the surface of the wood.
Help to protect the wood from mould and algae.
Decking oils tend to be less slippery than stains as they don’t cover the wood with a plastic-like film, meaning that the natural texture of the timber has better grip potential.
Potential Decking Oil Issues
Not all decking oils may be suitable for exotic hardwood decking because of their oily character and dense grain. Highly refined or extra thin decking oils may be required.
Cannot be over-coated with a decking stain or decking paint unless the decking has been allowed to weather for several years.
The final colour of a decking oil can be more heavily influenced by the colour of the decking timber than a stain.
Decking Stain Benefits
Decking stains generally build a plastic-like layer over the surface of the deck that seals and protects the decking timbers from weathering and foot traffic.
The colour / pigment in the stain helps to reduce UV exposure to the wood therefore helping to protect the timber from the greying effects of sun and rain.
Works well and looks good on decking hand rails and spindles.
Good coverage and colour strength.
Many decking stains are quick drying and are shower proof and ready to walk on in just a couple of hours.
Provide mould and algae resistance
Potential Decking Stain Issues
Can reduce the visibility of the wood grain slightly due to the pigmented film between the timber of the decking boards and the eye.
Can start to crack, peel and flake once the seal has become compromised and moisture can get between the decking boards and the decking stain.
Must be fully removed if re-coating with a different stain or if the decking stain has started to break down and degrade.
Can be difficult to fully remove from grooved decking.
Cannot easily be applied to a decking that has been previously oiled. Any oil that remains in the decking may repel or prevent adhesion of the decking stain.
Can be problematic on new, naturally oily or dark exotic hardwood decking.
How long do decking finishes last?
There are so many variables including the effects of heavy foot traffic, spills and the natural elements, Then there are variations across a deck, where more direct sun in one area fades the wood more than in a sheltered area and a damper area causes the wood to change to a black or grey as the water runs down,
We suggest that a full clean and treatment should be undertaken a least every 2 years for the best protection and longevity of the decking.
What’s the best way for interim maintenance of the decking? The most effective way to keep your decking in good condition is to sweep it regularly and keeping it free of anything that makes it damp or brings dirt, such as a build-up of leaves and moss.
We are based in Great Kingshill, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire and service all surrounding locations within a 30 mile radius, including Prestwood. Great Missenden, Wendover, Princess Risborough, Aylesbury, Amersham, Chalfonts, Beaconsfield, Gerrards Cross, Seer Green, Marlow, Henley, Windsor, We also service all boroughs of Outer and Central London.
Please click below to contact us for more information or if you require a free no obligation quote.