Blue Skies, Grey Decks?

Some people think greyed wood is gorgeous, worn and vintage-looking. Others hate the look, since it can make decks and fences feel old and uncared for. But, what causes greying, does it damage wood, and what should you do about it?

UV exposure damages wood the same way it damages our skin. Sunshine, rain, snow, and mist are the culprits and we get plenty of harsh weather in Nova Scotia.

Wood acts very much like human skin: our skin’s surface wears down with age, sun and weather. The grey patina you get on wood is caused by layers of dead wood fibres also a result of (you guessed it) age, sun and weather.

Because dead wood can’t regenerate fresh fibres, you need to do the job on its behalf. This is even more important if you are seeing green or black creeping in (which is not only unsightly, but a potential hazard). You need to “exfoliate” your deck to reveal the beautiful vibrant wood again.

Pressure washing is an easy way to take off layers of dead fibres and reveal the fresh wood underneath. It is also an easy way to damage the wood if you don’t know what you are doing. Consider hiring an experience Pressure Washing Service to do the job quickly and properly.

BUT, does it REALLY even have to be done? Can you just leave your wooden decking, fences, sheds to age gracefully? If we are talking simply about the UV radiation fade-to-grey (and not the presence of mold or structural integrity of the timber); this greying occurs only at the surface and is really a matter of aesthetics. To many, this is an important aesthetic as summer approaches and we want to be deck-ready.

However, if you plan to treat or stain your patio, a power wash is non-negotiable. The surface must absolutely be cleaned prior to any treatment.

Otherwise, no. Pressure washing is certainly not a requirement but if you’re not loving your weathered grey patio, it does not have to be that way. My customers are consistently surprised at how shiny and new their decks and fencing look after a professional pressure wash.

My name is Peter, I own and operate Bare Bones Pressure Wash here in Halifax. Check out my photo gallery for before and after patio photos, have a look at my google reviews for great feedback, and contact me for a free quote.