Q- What happens if it rains within 24 hours after the finish has been put on?
A- The finish is an oil base so it has a very high repellency to water. If the rain is light, (like we usually get here in San Diego), the deck will be just fine. If however there is a lot and sustained downpour before the finish has had a chance to cure I will need to come out and check it. If it needs another coat I will do this for no charge to you. Rarely does this happen because if I know of rain in the forecast, (even light) I will call and reschedule the finishing process.

Q- What kind of finish do you use?
A- I use a product by Wolman called F&P. This stands for finish and preservative.

Q- How long is it guaranteed?
A- The company guarantees their product for water repellency for 3 years on flat surfaces and 5 to 6 years on upright surfaces. I guarantee my work for the same amount of time. If however you do have a problem, please call me and I will do what I can to make you happy even if it’s not a failure on anyone’s part.

Q- What do I do with my plants in pots as well as other items on the deck?
A- Anything that can be moved off the deck before hand is greatly appreciated. If an item is too heavy for you to move or you cannot get anyone to assist you, please leave it and I will do what I can to help you move it.

Q- When I move my pots there is a circle left on the deck.
A- This is due to trapped moisture between the deck and pot. This will in time cause the wood underneath to rot through. A simple solution is to put the pot on a stand or use small spacers between the pot and deck. Any home and garden will have a whole section devoted to solving this problem.

Q- What if there is rain in the forecast before you clean and treat?
A- To clean the deck during a light rain is no problem. And for many homeowners this works for their time schedule. On a hard down pour I would prefer to either wait it out or reschedule. If however it is the day to treat the deck I will reschedule. The dryer the wood is when applying the finish the greater the penetration. This will increase the longevity or the finish.

Q- Do you sand the deck?
A- I will hand sand some areas that are rough or have a risk of snagging. I do not sand whole decks. I do not have the power equipment nor am I set up for that kind of work. Because of its so labor intensive it is very hard to find someone that does this. For me, the power washing does a much better job for a much lower price. Sanding can’t get between the boards or around the spindles as well as any tight areas. Once treated these unsanded areas become very noticeable.

Q- Are you a licensed California contractor?
A- Yes. I currently hold a B - General Building Contractor’s License.

Q- How long does the job take?
A- Usually it takes two days. The first day is the cleaning, brightening and washing process. The second day I apply the finish with a sprayer and back brush it. You will want to give the deck another 24 to 48 hours to fully cure. Then you can place your things back on the deck.

Q- Will the smell bother my children or pets?
A- No. All the products I use dissipate quickly. Some decks will need chemically stripped. This can hurt the feet of an animal if it was to run over the top of it. I have never had this happen but the stripping compounds are the most aggressive products that I use. Animals seem to have a natural aversion to these chemicals.

Q- Will the process hurt my plants?
A- No. I have had the striping compounds spot the leaves of some plant but most decks do not need stripped.

Q- Will the job run over the estimated time?
A- Usually not. There can be an unforeseen event with either myself or the home owner that would require me to leave the job and come back the next day. In my years of doing deck that has only happened twice. If I think that the work load is such that the job will that more than two days to complete I will know this at the time of scheduling and make arrangements accordingly in advance.

Q- How long before I can use my deck?
A- After treating, give the deck 24 to 48 hours. I have had some jobs take as much as 72 hours on very humid days. That is rare.

Q- Can you clean and treat furniture?
A- Yes, but I like to tell people in advance that most patio furniture is teak or some other hard wood. Because it is so hard it doesn’t absorb the oils as well as redwood or cedar so it doesn’t last as long. It will last 1 to 2 years. If that is fine for you I would be happy to clean and treat you patio furniture.

Q- Do you clean concrete, brick, stucco, vinyl?
A- I have cleaned a lot of these surfaces but it is not my specialty. I do not know the right products to use but it is surprising just how clean things come with just the power washer.

Q- Can you treat new wood?
A- Yes. The product is designed to penetrate new wood. I do like new wood to sit for a few weeks just too fully dry. The advantage to letting the wood dry is that it will then absorb more oils and thus increase the longevity or the product.

Q- Does new wood need cleaned?
A- No, but some homeowners still prefer the wood to be cleaned because it has literally been through a mill. The brightening process really brings new wood alive. This will be reflected in the final appearance. Treating only is also cheaper. I leave the decision up to the homeowner.

Q- My gardener, friend or builder clean and treat decks, Should I hire them?
A- I cannot stress this enough: When looking for a deck cleaning contractor find someone that specializes in cleaning and treating exterior wood. I can’t tell you how many jobs I’ve been call to where the homeowners wanted to cry. I can show you photos of what I mean. With in days to weeks their deck was already turning dark or sticky, or never even began to dry. I’ve been to homes where the finish is on the house and plants. Sometimes the finish may already be fading with no water repellency. When questioned, they used their gardener, landscaper or friend. Even building contractors and painters have a difficult time with decks because they understand building and painting but not deck finishes and how to apply them. Always use a licensed contractor that fully understands his products and those that are out there. Please, save yourself a lot of stress. I’ve studied most finishes out there, there are a lot of new finishes coming on the market. There are now water based and synthetics, I have to keep up on all of them. A contractor that specialize in deck cleaning and finishing will take all the guess work out of the job and bring to you a time tested, fully proven system that will be guaranteed to satisfy you. Lic.# B883139

Q- How do I get Clean Decks By Jeff to clean my deck?
A- Please call me for a free estimate at 858-483-9226 or e-mail me now at: cleandecks@gmail.com