Ottawa Deck Repair Services: 4 Benefits of Power Washing

Pressure washing your deck is an element of routine annual maintenance. You can hire deck repair and maintenance services in Ottawa to pressure wash your deck, and you should. DIY methods can often do more harm than good. Still, despite the risks, pressure washing is vital to deck health.

Reasons To Powerwash Your Deck

Pressure washing is about cleaning and preparing the deck. After a long autumn and winter, the decking needs care. Snow, rain, cold, and so much more throughout the year have left the structure susceptible to damage. A pressure washer is about speeding up preservation efforts for the backyard deck. While there are risks to using a pressure washer, especially if you do not adjust the pressure, its use has at least four benefits.

1. Cleans Efficiently

Pressure or power washing makes short work of deck spring cleaning. You can quickly remove any remaining debris from the past seasons and possibly eliminate some discolouration. However, it would be best if you were careful about the pressure level you use because too much can strip pieces of decking material away. When using a power washer, most professional services will lower the pressure to the lowest setting to preserve the deck’s integrity.

2. Prepares Your Deck for Stain or Paint

In some cases, professional services will use a higher pressure to help remove remaining sealants, stains, or paints. Also, to prepare the deck for new stains, a pressure washer can help remove any existing dirt, debris, dust, mildew, or mould, ensuring the surface is clear and ready to bond to any new sealants.

3. Boosts Home Value

Power washing your deck can boost your home’s value. Many people love having a deck in their yard, but when homebuyers visit your property, a dirty, mouldy deck doesn’t bode well for offers. A clean and well-maintained deck improves the first impression and shows homebuyers that you take care of your property.

4. Removes Dirt and Debris

While there is nothing wrong with using a broom and dustpan or a scrub brush and water pan, cleaning a deck with these tools is time-consuming and may not be as effective as using a power washer. The pressurized tool makes short work of dust and dirt, ensuring a deep and powerful clean.

Risks of Power Washing Your Deck

A pressure washer is a valuable tool, but it can damage your deck if you aren’t careful. Using the device at its highest setting is not advisable unless you have a lot of experience and skill. If you want your decking power washed, hire a professional service. There are two main problems that can occur from pressure washing your deck.

1. Soft Wood

The main problem is that power washing can lead to the development of softwood, which is more susceptible to sun damage. The pressure washer can ruin the wood’s natural UV defences and take years off the deck’s life.

2. Splintering

If you use a pressure washer at too high of a setting, the machine can dig into the decking. The water can get under the surface and splitter the boards. Sometimes, the water can cause gouges in the deck. Because of the risks, it is best to hire a professional.

Reasons To Hire a Professional Service

Affordable deck repair and restoration Ottawa can ensure your deck gets clean without risking damage to the boards. Professional technicians understand what woods can handle which pressure levels. If you are ready to get your deck ready for the spring and summer, contact Handyman Connection and schedule a property visit from one of the service’s many qualified deck technicians.