Pressure washing can cause a lot of trouble if done improperly.
However, that doesn’t mean you should neglect your deck.
In this article, we will tackle the truth behind pressure washing your deck and answer, should I pressure wash my deck?
Table of Contents - Click to Skip
Hey there, I’m Cody.
A decade of residential and commercial pressure washing led me to start JCS Refresh. Now I can share my knowledge with folks like you.
Reading from Washington State?
Contact our team for a quote and you might meet me in person.
Quick Answer
Our answer is yes – but monitor your PSI!
Pressure washing offers several advantages.
- It’s a cost-effective deep cleaning method
- Practice makes perfect
- Doing so combats contaminants and rot
- It prepares your deck for upcoming applications like stain
- Cleaning extends the lifespan of your deck
Let’s discuss these more in-depth.
5 Reasons Why You Should Pressure Wash Your Deck
Doubtless, pressure washing your deck can cause great harm if done incorrectly.
However, with practice, education, and tips from experts like JCS Refresh, you’ll be on your way in no time. We assure you that the pros outweigh the cons.
Check out the reasons why you should pressure wash your deck:
1. It’s a cost-effective deep cleaning method
Erasing years of grime with less work (and time) is an easy sell. Moreover, hiring a professional isn’t too costly and allows you to focus on higher-priority tasks.
2. Practice makes perfect
We agree that a pressure washer, especially when used on softwood, can wreck surfaces; however, this will only happen if there’s a lack of experience.
If you’re uncomfortable with the idea of practicing on your deck, hire a local expert.
Professionals know how to utilize proper PSI settings, nozzle tips, and cleaning agents. So, there’s no need to worry about the possibility of any detriment.
3. Doing so combats contaminants and rot
Wood is susceptible to organic growth because of moisture. Arresting these issues before they spread and deteriorate costly materials is crucial.
Fortunately, many experts assess the condition of the surface before cleaning. This way, they clearly understand how to address the problem and minimize future instances.
4. It prepares your deck for upcoming applications like stain
5. Cleaning extends the lifespan of your deck
Annual pressure washing prolongs your deck’s lifespan by eliminating dirt buildup or contaminants that can cause several issues.
Additionally, as a result of staying on top of routine maintenance, you can sleep easy, knowing you won’t have to replace your deck sooner than expected.
Frequently asked questions
If you still have some questions left, maybe we can clear things up:
Can you pressure wash Trex decking?
Yes, but use moderate-to-low PSI to avoid damage and, in return, void the Trex warranty.
Spritz the surface with soap and thoroughly scrub each piece of Trex using a soft bristle brush.
After that, rinse the boards individually using a fan tip no closer than eight inches from the deck.
Can you pressure wash composite decking?
Yes, but exercise caution.
Composite decking combines plastic film and wood fibers that are more delicate than natural wood. So, the risk of damage comes easily. Therefore, following proper procedures when cleaning a composite decking is critical.
To see some horror story situations, check out our deck before and after article.
Do you have to pressure wash before staining?
Yes. No exceptions.
We recommend pressure washing before staining to prepare the surface to absorb the stain properly. This not only eliminates any buildup and contaminants but also maximizes the durability of the stain.
To learn more, read our guide: How long after pressure washing can I stain?
Should I pressure wash my deck before painting?
Of course! Like staining, you must strip paint to ensure a new coat of paint is applied correctly.
Should I pressure wash my deck before sealing?
Yes. Pressure washing is one of the best ways to prepare your deck before sealing. It removes the old finish and any decayed wood, priming the surface.
Should I pressure wash my deck or house first?
We recommend pressure washing the house first so that any water or dirt spilled from cleaning the exterior will be cleaned later when you proceed to the deck.
Conclusion
Pressure washing your deck is a great idea to maintain its appeal and boost its longevity. However, its immense force can seriously cause damage if done incorrectly.
It is essential to do your research first or entrust the job to local deck cleaning experts.
We hope you learned something from this article have the info needed to clean with ease.
Thanks for reading!
