Frequently
Asked Questions
The Advantages of Cal-Brite
Disadvantages of Bleach
Outdoor Wood Care
Q: Why should I clean my deck?
A: Desks are an expensive investment and need to be maintained.
Your deck will look newer and last longer with proper care
and maintenance.
Q: What destroys a deck?
A: Wood surfaces covered in mold and mildew cause dangerous
slippery conditions; as well as rotting, splitting and corrosion
of nails, making your deck deteriorate at a much faster
rate.
Q: Do I need to clean before I reseal my deck?
A: YES. Your wood deck needs to be cleaned to remove the
mold, mildew and failed sealers. We restore your woods natural
color preparing it for sealing, by deep cleaning the wood.
Q: Why use Cal-Brite instead of bleach?
A: Cal-Brite attacks and breaks down the bond between the
organic stains and the surface of the wood and goes deep
into the pores of the wood, pulling the mold and mildew
out of the wood. Bleach only works on the surface and dries
out the wood. End Tone restores the natural honey color
to your wood deck. (Read
more about the disadvantages of bleach)
Q: What if I seal without cleaning?
A: The mold, mildew and debris will continue to grow under
the sealer, causing the sealer to fail. By removing these
organic items before sealing, you will ensure longer lasting
beauty and protection of your investment.
Q: Will Cal-Brite hurt my plants?
A: Cal-Brite is safe for most plants, vegetation and lawns.
It is safe for the environment, unlike chlorine bleaches
or acids. We will use care around the more delicate plants
to by properly covering them prior to the application of
our products.
Q: How often should you clean a deck?
A: If you have ever pressure washed your deck, you may have
noticed the return of mold and mildew within a year’s
time. When cleaned and sealed properly, you can reduce the
maintenance requirements to 3-5 years.
Q: Can a deck be cleaned without sealing after?
A: It is strongly recommended that you seal your deck after
it is cleaned. By sealing you deck you are ensuring it is
protected from the growth of mold and mildew and the suns
damaging rays. We recommend and use Benjamin Moore and Cabot
Stains, which contains mildewacides and sun protection.
Benjamin Moore and Cabot’s is highly rated by Consumer
Reports magazine.
Q: What type of sealer should I use: water based or oil
based?
A: The type of stain you use should depend on the surface
and the weather conditions in your area. Water based finishes
are more forgiving in damp weather conditions. Oil based
give the best UV protection but does not stand up as well
to foot traffic.
Q: What type of stain or finish should I use: transparent,
semi-transparent or solid?
A: This depends on the wear and tear the surface will take
or the traffic on the deck. A deck that gets little traffic
can use a transparent stain. A deck that gets a lot of use
with children, pets or parties needs a more durable finish
like semi-transparent. A deck that has seen its share of
wear and tear and needs a face lift will do well with a
solid stain.
Q: What are
the advantages of cleaning a roof with Cal-Brite verses
pressure washing with bleach?
A: There are numerous advantages. The following will identify
many:
Disadvantages of Power Washing
