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FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
If your question is not listed here, you can... Ask The Deck Guy®
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How often do I need to service my deck? Most weatherproofing should last at least two years. However, if your deck gets excessive sun (dryness) or no sun at all (mildew), you may need to service it more often. If you use a good weatherproofer and your deck gets a good balance of sun and shade, it could last up to five years. How long should I wait until I weatherproof a new deck? Most weatherproofing products will not penetrate new pressure treated wood for 6 months to a year. However, there are a few products that will penetrate a new deck. The Deck Guy® recommends that you wait at least 4-6 months, depending on the harshness of the weather, before weatherproofing a deck. Should I use a lighter or darker product on my deck? This is an easy one. Unless you are in love with the darker color, go with the transparent stain that has just a little pigment. If you go with a dark semi-transparent or solid stain, it is very difficult to go back to a transparent product that shows the grain of the wood better. Should I have my deck stripped? Stripping a deck is no laughing matter and should be done only if it has to be. The chemicals in the stripper are difficult to handle and take their toll on your deck. The stripping process is tough on a deck and decreases the overall life of the structure. However, if your deck is young and in good shape, one or two stripping jobs is OK. How can I maintain the good looks of a newly finished weatherproofing job? Keep dogs off of the deck because their claws will scratch down to the surface of the wood. Get an awning to protect the deck from the sun and rain. Cover the deck in the winter time to keep the harsh elements from doing their destruction. Why is the floor lighter than the railings? The horizontal surfaces of the deck receive more harsh elements than the vertical surfaces. In such cases we suggest a second coat to even-out the finished look. Why doesn't my deck bead up? Decks do not necessarily have to bead up to be well protected. All of our products are rated very highly by Consumer Reports, which is the best indication of excellent protection. In fact, some of the lowest ranked products bead up the most! Does my deck need more than 24 hours to dry after weatherproofing? While walking on the deck within 24 hours of servicing is usually possible, it is always a good idea to let it dry at least 48 hours. Decks that do not get a lot of sun exposure may need the extra time to dry. If my deck is new, does it need to be washed first? Every deck should be washed before weatherproofing. All lumber especially pressure treated pine contains a chemical commonly known as mill glaze. It protects the wood during the storing in lumberyards. This must be removed prior to weatherproofing to ensure proper adhesion. What other deck tips do you have? People ask us all of the time how to keep their deck looking new. The following information will extend the life of your deck...
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