Handy Guide to Pressure Washing Your Deck

Your deck is subjected to dirt, fungi, insects and other types of debris on a daily basis. Over time, these debris become stuck in the wood grain and are difficult to remove through a regular scrub brush cleaning. A once a year pressure washing effectively removes these debris. You must be careful, however, to follow the right pressure washing procedures, or you risk splintering the wood on your deck. Follow these three tips to pressure wash your deck without causing damage.

hoose a Nozzle Tip:

Pressure washers are really powerful. If your deck is made of pine, cedar or another type of soft wood, It's important to choose the right nozzle tip to ensure that you aren't using too much pressure on your deck. For soft wood, choose a fan nozzle tip with a 40 to 60 degree output. This tip has a large spray area, which keeps too much pressure from hitting one area at a time.

Technique:

The right pressure washer settings and pressure washing techniques are equally important to choosing the right nozzle tip. Use the following pressure washing techniques for the best results. Start with your pressure washer set at the 600 psi level and gradually increase the pressure if needed, but do not go above 1,200 psi on soft woods. Start spraying with the nozzle tip held at least half a meter above the deck's surface. If necessary, slowly move the nozzle tip closer to the deck, until you are about 40-centimeters away from the deck's surface, but no closer.

Start spraying the deck at the foundation of your house, pointing away from your home. Spray with the grain of the deck's wood. Make a sweeping motion with the nozzle, moving your arm back and forth. Pay attention to the deck as you do this. If the wood or paint on your deck appears to be getting damaged, lower the psi level on the pressure washer. If the wood and paint are not getting harmed, yet the dirt and debris is staying put, gradually increase the psi level on the pressure washer.

Sanding and Finishing Your Deck:

When your deck gets wet, the wood fibers swell. Combine the moisture and pressure from the pressure washing and the wood fibers can stick up a little, creating a condition where the wood can splinter. To prevent the wood from splintering after pressure washing, you should sand the deck after it dries.

• Use an orbital sander that has a 12-centimeter pad
• Place 80-grit sandpaper on the orbital sander pad
• Sand the deck, using a circular motion and gentle pressure
• Sweep the deck, using a broom, to remove dust and debris
• Apply a coat of clear-coat sealant, following the manufacturer's directions