What Separates Cleaning Contractors

A cleaning contractor specializes in exterior cleaning and sealing. Owning a pressure washer does not make one a cleaning contractor any more than a person that owns a hammer and table saw can automatically be called a carpenter. The pressure washer is a single tool in the arsenal of a pressure washing company.

Because every surface requires unique cleaners and technique, cleaning contractors must be equipped with tools like surface cleaners, various orifice nozzles and have a host of experience to determine the proper course of cleaning without causing damage. Specialty cleaning and restoration can require the use of dangerous acids and highly caustic chemicals. A company truly dedicated to cleaning exterior surfaces will carry a large amount of liability insurance and be trained in OSHA safety techniques. There is absolutely a difference between serious, full time cleaning companies and the handyman that uses a pressure washer.

Cleaning Wood Decks

Deck cleaning and sealing maintenance are very popular services among home owners whom know how important it can be to the life of their deck. With cleaning and sealing the biggest factor in doing the job properly is choosing the right cleaners and sealers.

Preparing the wood properly is just as important as the quality of sealer that will be used. The number one reason deck sealers fails is because the wood was not prepared properly, it doesn’t matter if the sealer being used is very expensive if the wood is not prepped properly the sealer will fail prematurely.

Another fact to note is that wood is actually very soft and can be severely damaged and scared from a high pressure washer. It is best to practice washing on a scrap piece of the same kind of wood your deck was built with. If you don’t have a scrap piece of wood, practice on an inconspicuous spot on your deck that is more or less hidden from view.

 If you are not experienced with operating a power washer or if you don’t have experience with staining wood, you may not want to tackle a deck restoration project yourself. The best solution is to hire a professional wood deck cleaning contractor to do the job for you.

How To Choose A Professional Deck Cleaner

If you are like most people you do not have the time to refinish your deck every year. You want to hire a deck cleaner to come out and get the wood ready for the upcoming season. Here are some things you should look for in a professional deck cleaning company. How much experience they have is important. A pro does not need to have ten or even five years experience to be qualified to clean your deck. A minimal of two years is probably a safe target range. What type of deck cleaners does the contractor use? Contractors that use over the counter deck cleaners sold in Home Depot or Lowe’s are probably newbies to the field of deck restoration and refinishing.

There are far safer and more effective wood cleaning products than one containing bleach. How much pressure a company uses to clean the wood is also important. A professional grade deck cleaning agent does the work for you.

There is never a need for high pressure washing. The usual requisites of having the right amount of liability insurance and workmen’s comp also apply. Do a follow up check on a contractor. Just because he shows you a policy does not mean it is current. The last thing to look for in a professional deck cleaning company is references. Companies that have been around for awhile have large customer databases. Ask the contractor if you can speak to a couple of them.