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After
many years in the wood restoration and preservation field, we have
developed a unique process that provides outstanding results.
As a Certified Restoration Contractor, and a participating member
in many wood care educational programs, we provide the newest technology
available. Keeping up on the latest techniques and products
available on the market is an important aspect of providing you
with outstanding service and a quality product. We also produce
our very own specially formulated cleaning and finish removal products
enabling us to better suit the product to the job at hand.
Our process goes as follows:
The first step in restoring your deck, log home,
or other wood structure is the evaluation process. It's
with this that we are able to determine exactly what your project
needs in order to restore the natural beauty back to it.
During this process we provide consultation, obtain dimensions,
and record the overall condition and finishes presently applied.
We also bring before and after photographs of previous projects
we have completed, samples of the natural finishes we offer,
and your guaranteed price!
Depending on the present condition of your wood
structure, this step will consist of finish removal and/or a deep
cleaning of the wood. If a recent finish has been applied
(usually less than 2 years old) your wood may have to be stripped
of the prior coating. Some coatings remove quite easily
while others may require multiple steps for removal. If
a finish does not exist on your wood, a deep cleaning is initiated
in order to remove the mold, mildew, dirt, and general fallout
that collects on the surface. The graying is also removed
during this process to reveal the natural look of the wood.
One of the most important steps of the entire
process is the neutralization of the cleaners and agents
previously applied. This provides a neutral pH for
the wood as well as removes stubborn tannin staining.
This is accomplished through the use of our specially blended
brightening agents and the strength can be adjusted on a
per job basis. After application and a short dwell
period, a final rinse of the entire structure is done.
After
all of the cleaning and restoration portion of your project
is completed your wood needs to dry out. This process
can vary depending on the season and overall weather conditions.
Typically we require two to three dry days before sealing
is initiated. The moisture content should be no more
than twelve percent when sealing and will be confirmed before
the next step.
A
crucial step before the sealant application is in the detail
work. All agreed upon repairs are made to your structure
and the it is then thoroughly inspected for "furring"
or splintering. Sanding is performed as deemed necessary
to insure a splinter free atmosphere. Caulking, chinking,
and borate applications are also performed in this phase
of the process if the project requires it.
The
final step and most gratifying is the sealing of your
wood. After confirming the moisture content in the
wood, we perform the necessary setup to begin sealing.
Through the use of our application system we provide exactly
what your wood needs. Every wood project differs in the
amount of sealer needed for proper protection. This
is determined by the past maintenance, species, and age
of the deck. Our technicians will apply your chosen
finish to meet the standards we have set as well as the
manufacturer of the finish. Proper preparation and
application is the key to longevity in a wood finish.
The reason customers are told to
wait an extended period of time before preserving their decks is because of
a condition called "Mill Glaze."
Mill glaze is a term used by the coatings industry to define
the smooth glossy-like surface that develops on newly milled lumber. This glossy
surface or "mill glaze" is caused by planers and saw blades turning
at extremely high speeds. The high temperature created from this friction draws
water soluble resins to the surface; the turning motion of the blades literally
polishes the wood to a glaze-like condition. It is these glossy (glaze-like)
areas that prevent proper coating penetration and adhesion resulting in premature
peeling and failure.
The use of Sodium Tetraborate Decahydrate will allow for immediate coating application.
Industry standards have traditionally recommended allowing new wood to weather
for an extended period of time. This weathering process solved the problem of
mill glaze through UV exposure from the sun. However, general use (of the wood
structure) and UV exposure can cause wood deterioration thus requiring restoration
and/or repair. |
