Construction Contractors Community

Barry M · Joined: 05 Sep 2007 Posts: 90 Location: Indiana

Hello

I'm Barry Maddox of Midwest Pro Wash in Indiana. I've already posted in the introductions forum but since I have been asked to be the moderator of the pressure washing forum, I thought it would be appropriate to introduce myself here also.

If you have any questions or want to discuss products, techniques, methods, sales, marketing, or advertising pertaining to pressure washing please don't hesitate to post. Thank you.

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Pressure Washing Contractor Providing Deck Cleaning, Concrete Cleaning and Other Power Washing Contractor Services

FHIwindows · Posted: Sat Sep 08, 2007 2:32 am Post subject:

Barry, what is a safe PSI to clean composite decking? Are there sealers on the market that will prevent staining on the decking?

Barry M · Joined: 05 Sep 2007 Posts: 90 Location: Indiana

There are sealers on the market for composite decking but the deck will still require maintenance every couple years. Maintenance would be a light washing with a mild bleach solution and then another coat of the same sealer. Maintenance like this is recommended if you want a good looking deck all the time, as opposed to letting it go until it's almost impossible to clean.

As far as psi, I've used 1500 on badly mildewed composite without causing damage. Composite decking is actually pretty tough to get clean once it's been neglected. I've seen some decks that were completely black that were suppose to be a light brown or grey. At this point a very strong solution of bleach, almost twice as strong as straight household bleach, about 1500 psi and a lot of patience is what's needed.

This is all ironic because composite is sold to consumers as "maintenance free."

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Pressure Washing Contractor Providing Deck Cleaning, Concrete Cleaning and Other Power Washing Contractor Services

WFConstructionPro

I have heard some horror stories about people power washing with bleech. I have always been told not to use it on treated lumber because it will break down the chemical treatment. Are there any side effects that happen when cleaning composite with bleech?

Barry M · Joined: 05 Sep 2007 Posts: 90 Location: Indiana

FHIwindows · Posted: Mon Sep 17, 2007 9:18 pm Post subject:

Barry, I was talking to a couple of the nation reps from Elk last year about cleaning composite decks. They stated that too high of a pressure setting can open the surface of the decking and expose some of the wood mix. Once exposed it can turn the wood fibers black until they wear away. I read on one of the forums where someone had a problem with a brand of decking that does it when it is new and the black stains go away after a while. I think the term is tannins? Will bleach cure this problem?

Barry M · Joined: 05 Sep 2007 Posts: 90 Location: Indiana

That is the correct term, tannin stains are sometimes mistaken for mold or mildew. A mix of acid, like what is used during the nuetralizing or brightening process after cleaning a deck, usually takes care of it without a problem.

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Pressure Washing Contractor Providing Deck Cleaning, Concrete Cleaning and Other Power Washing Contractor Services