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Welcomes You To Our Parent Site Of:
Do'It Right Construction
PA011233 Power Washing & Deck
Cleaning Customer Advice & Pricing Poilcy Site
(724) 747-8309
[MAIN SITE]
No two decks are ever alike, and
washing your deck properly is a time consuming project. Cleaned and finished
properly you should get between 4-6 years out of your deck before it has to
be done again. Hopefully these general tips should help when you first start
to prepare for maintenance for decks, fences or other wood care projects.
Project
Assessment
1. Start by obtaining the “background” about the structure. Walk around the project to observe its condition. Does it appear “stained” with a pigmented coating, or is it bare? You also need to know the species of the wood. If it is weathered and appears uncoated, Do you know if it has ever been water sealed or stained, and with which product? Caution – If the deck is very old and neglected, then the wood may require more than one coat of a finish product.
2. Measure the area of the surface to be coated. This will help you determine how much surface prep and coating product will be needed to clean and protect the surface. Remember length multiplied by width = square footage of the area. All coatings typically specify the coverage in square footages plainly on the container.
3. Always perform a “Splash Test”: Sprinkle water on a representative portion of the surface to be cleaned/coated. If the water is absorbed rapidly it means the wood is highly porous and ready to accept a coating. If your project passes this test, cleaning methods can be determined by how visibly dirty your project area is. Grease stains may require power washing and if the water beads, puddles or is not absorbed, a surface barrier exists, and that barrier must be removed, most likely by use of a bio-degradable solution and a professional power wash of around 2500 psi.
4. Be conscious of potential “mill glaze” on new Cedar and Redwood. If the deck is made of new Cedar or Redwood and the Splash Test proves water is not absorbing, then it is probably a result of mill glaze (a surface barrier to wood coatings found on most newly installed Cedar and Redwood). In this case, you will have to use either Deck Brite or Deck & Fence Brightener or a similar product to remove the glazing. Then, we recommend letting the wood weather for at least one week to further open the pores and dry properly.
At the end of the week, repeat the Splash Test to determine if water will penetrate. If water is still not absorbing, you must repeat the above surface preparation procedure. NEVER apply any coating product if mill glaze is present.
5. On Cedar and Redwood If previously coated with a visible pigmented solid color stain, apply surface prep product
of Deck Brite or Deck & Fence Brightener or Deck Strip or any similar product to a small area on the surface of the wood. Observe which product type removes the pigment. This exercise will determine whether a cleaner or stripper is needed to restore the wood to a bare, uncoated surface. Most professionals will be able to visibly differentiate what type product has been used on your deck, fence or other wood care project and if it is even possible to remove all the previous coatings.|
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Determining Your Projects Time Consumption
Here are several factors that will impact the expenses you
incur on your deck, fence, or other wood care project:
Size of the Wood Structure
100 square foot or less deck can be cleaned in 2-1/2 -3-1/2 hours, Spray applications of clear finish or stain can be applied in 1-2 hours and hand applications in 3-4 hours.
200 square foot or slightly less deck can be cleaned in 4-1/2 -5-1/2 hours, Spray applications of clear finish or stain can be applied in 2-3 hours and hand applications in 4-5 hours.
300 square foot or slightly less deck can be cleaned in 5-1/2 -6-1/2 hours, Spray applications of clear finish or stain can be applied in 3-4 hours and hand applications in 5-6 hours.
400 square foot or slightly less deck can be cleaned in 6-1/2 -7-1/2 hours, Spray applications of clear finish or stain can be applied in 4-5 hours and hand applications in 7-8 hours.
More time will be required when:
• Deck elevations are complex, with difficult access.
• There are built-in benches or planters.
• Railings are not readily accessible or require a ladder for outside cleanings or applications
Additional Coating Time Required
Also, more time is needed to apply water-base solid color or semi-transparent coatings When sprayed, these products require back-brushing and greater attention to detail to produce a smooth, uniform result. On average, expect to add one-third more time when using these finishes. Finishes may be customer provided or purchased separately
Pricing the project
We utilize an industry par per “Square Foot Method” for estimating deck, fence & wood care projects:
In preparing for a phone email quote, first measure the area of the deck surface, length & depth/width. Measure the length & height of all associated railings including those on stair areas. Count the number of stair treads associated with your stair case. We'll also want to know an approximate height off the ground.
Remember length multiplied by width = square footage of the area. Calculate all your square footage areas, including railings into one square footage number. Multiply by the square footage charge, as listed in the chart below, for your square footage total and add per step tread the figure for your width tread, again as listed in the chart below, add any height and stripper charges to that for your final project cost.
* Fencing quotes are calculated at $0.17 per square foot, per side includes finish.
We also sell your choice of hourly power washing or finishing time at $85.00 per hour.
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TOTAL SQUARE FEET OF DECK SURFACE FOR WASHING |
PRICE PER SQ. FT. |
| 400 sq. ft. or less | $1.25 |
| 400 sq ft to 900 sq. ft | $1.00 |
| 900 sq ft to 1,450 sq. ft | $0.85 |
| 1,450 sq ft to 2,200 sq. ft. | $0.80 |
| Railings | $.50 per square foot. |
| Steps under 4' wide | $1.50 ea |
| Steps over 4' wide | $0.50 per square foot |
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For every 8' above 6' from ground add: |
$25.00 |
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Solid color coating removals |
$100.00 per 400 square foot additional |