ServiceMaster: Deck Care Specialists

Decks are beautiful additions to any home, they are great for entertaining or just plain relaxing. However, let's face it, when decks become gray and weathered, or become green and black with algae, our expensive deck investments become eye soars to us and we tend not to use our decks as they were meant to be used. ServiceMaster can restore that hidden beauty back to your deck and allow you to get that same enjoyment out of your beautiful investment that you had the day it was built. Call now for a free estimate.

Why Wood Needs Protection
The forces of weather can be devastating to wood. Rain, snow and even dew are quickly absorbed by unprotected wood, causing it to swell. When the sun's heat dries the wood, it shrinks. These cycles of wet and dry, swelling and shrinking cause wood to warp, split, crack and become discolored and unattractive.

The process is even worse for decks! Being horizontal surfaces, they hold water and snow for prolonged periods of time, accelerating the damage. The dampness attracts pollen and fungal spores which collect and cause ugly discoloration. Decks are also subject to 30-50 percent more direct sunlight than comparable vertical surfaces. This results in unique thermal stresses to wood. For example, on sunny summer days the temperature on a deck board can vary as much as 50 degrees Fahrenheit between the sun-exposed top surface and the damp, shaded underside. In addition to all this, decks are subject to foot traffic, physical wear and tear and ground in dirt.

Pressure Treated Does Not Mean Weatherproof
Pressure treated wood is made by injecting a chemical into the wood that protects it against rot and termites. However, pressure treating wood does not give it weather protection- it actually makes the wood surface more porous- making the wood even more susceptible to moisture damage.

How Often Should My Deck Be Cleaned and/or Sealed?
Depending upon exposure conditions, a re-application of our water repellent is usually recommended every 1-2 years on the horizontal surfaces and every 2-4 years on the verticals. You can evaluate the water repellence present on the deck by sprinkling water on the surface. Initially, this water will form beads like rain on a freshly waxed car. As this initial water repellent ingredient gradually weathers, a second one takes over. It's presence can be seen by water standing in puddles on the deck. If water begins to soak into wood, then the water repellent coating should be reapplied. Our deck maintenance plan can eliminate your concern over "is it time to care for my deck?"

What Else Do We Take Care Of?
ServiceMaster also cleans:
  • Wood Fences
  • Rail ties
  • Wood Deck Furniture
  • Concrete
  • Siding