1) Why is my deck dull and gray?
There are a number of reasons why wood turns gray. First, built up dirt can cause wood to discolor. Secondly, mildew can cause unsightly stains. Finally, wood can actually get sun burnt. This burnt layer is dull and gray. To bring back the natural color and look of wood, DECK DEVIL will do a cleaning that actually removes this layer of dirt and burnt wood. We then apply a finish to help prevent this gray color from returning so quickly.

2) How long does the process take?
Usually, the cleaning process can be done one day and the finish applied the next day. It is important to know that due to the nature of finishes and stains we need dry weather to apply the finish. Once applied stains and finishes usually require 24 - 48 hours to soak into the wood (set) and cure. The actual length of time required to cure depends on the finish you pick but we suggest not replacing furniture, etc onto the deck within 48 hours of application of the finish.

3) How long after the finish is applied must I wait to use my deck again?
Most finishes require 24-48 hours to set and cure. Once the finish has set you can walk on the deck (usually after 24 hours). Once cured you can place furniture, etc back onto the deck and use as usual (usually after 48 hours). Set and cure times vary depending on the product and the temperature outside after the application of the finish. Although, under prime conditions you may be able to place furniture back on the deck earlier than suggested on the product label, DECK DEVIL recommends not placing anything back on the deck before the maximum recommended time has elapsed.

4) My deck is new; do I still need to finish it?
To avoid dirt build up and damage due to weathering processes, now is the best time to have your deck finished.

5) I have heard that you should let a new deck sit for a few months prior to staining?
DECK DEVIL can perform a simple test to check if the wood will absorb the new finish. New wood often has either a mill glaze (Cedar and Redwood) or contains paraffin wax (pressure treated wood). If either of these hold true, a simple cleaning with a wood brightener can remove mill glaze or paraffin wax and allow the deck to be finished now. Therefore, by using DECK DEVIL's service, there is no need to let a new deck sit for months before protecting it from harmful weathering processes.

6) Why do I need to do anything if my deck is made of Pressure Treated Wood?
Pressure Treated Wood is protected against rot and decay. Pressure Treated does not mean weatherproofed, in fact pressure-treating wood can make it more susceptible to moisture damage. Moisture damage leads to splitting, warping, and cracking, and can cause wood to become discolored and unattractive. Pressure treated wood also contains CCA (see question 9).

7) What if I have stains?
Most stains on decks are due to mold, mildew and other fungi growth. The majority of the time these stains will come out when DECK DEVIL cleans the surface. However sometimes, we may have to go over the stained area a second time with a special stain-removing chemical. If your deck is susceptible to mildew, we will recommend a finish that contains a mildewcide to help prevent build up and staining in the future.

8) What if I already have stain or finish on my deck?
Using a biodegradable, environmentally friendly chemical designed for stripping finishes, DECK DEVIL will first remove any old stains or finishes. We will then determine if a wood brightener needs to be used to further clean the wood. All of this is done prior to refinishing the deck.

9) What is CCA and why do I need to be concerned?
CCA stands for Chromated Copper Arsenate, and contains the dangerous chemical arsenic. CCA is the chemical compound used in the process of pressure treating wood. Arsenic is thus found in most pressure treated woods. As of December 30, 2003, CCA products cannot be used to treat lumber intended for residential settings. The US EPA (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) does not recommend replacing your pressure treated wood structures, it does however suggest finishing them with oil-based semitransparent stains on a regular basis to reduce CCA exposure. For more information from the EPA go to:
www.epa.gov/pesticides/factsheets/chemicals/residential_use_cancellation.htm