Maryland Home Improvement, Home Inspection & Residential Appraisal Blog

Carlton Cleans provides pressure washing & deck refinishing services.

2010-07-12T21:02:00.001-07:00

www.arlingtondeckcleaning.com

www.arlingtonpressurewashing.me

www.arlingtonpowerwashing.com

www.bethesdadeckcleaning.com

www.bethesdapressurewashing.com

www.carltoncleans.com

www.deckcleaning.ws

www.fairfaxdeckcleaning.com

www.fairfaxpressurewashing.com

www.greatfallsdeckcleaning.com

www.greatfallspressurewashing.com

www.hardwooddeckcleaning.com

www.hardwooddeckstaining.com

www.ipedeckstain.me

www.ipedeckcleaning.me

www.ipedeckstaining.com

www.ipedeckwash.com

www.marylandpressurewashing.me

www.potomacpressurewashing.me

www.rockvilledeckcleaning.com

www.rockvillepressurewashing.com

www.silverspringdeckcleaning.com

www.silverspringpressurewashing.com

www.viennadeckcleaning.com

www.viennapressurewashing.com

Carlton Cleans Pressure Washing and Deck Refinishing Is Now Licensed In Virginia

2010-07-12T13:32:00.000-07:00

CarltonCleans provides Virginia deck refinishing & power washing services in the following areas Great Falls, Arlington, Veinna, Falls Church and Mclean. We service other areas on a case by case basis so please call (703-652-4861) or fill out our online request form at www.greatfallsdeckcleaning.com.

Lic# 2705 135392

Montgomery County Maryland Hardwood Deck Low Pressure Cleaning & Sanding

2010-05-18T16:59:00.001-07:00

Montgomery County Maryland Hardwood Deck Refinishing by CarltonCleans

Carlton provides hardwood deck cleaning, sanding and staining with out killing the plants around your home or getting stain on house.

Hardwood deck low pressure cleaning
Hardwood deck sanding
Hardwood deck staining
IPE cleaning, IPE sanding, IPE staining

Silver Spring Siding Cleaning by CarltonCleans

2010-05-18T16:54:00.000-07:00

Carlton provides siding cleaning with out killing the plants and grass around your home.

algea and mold removal
gutter cleaning (black mark removal)
siding wax

11 Keys to sucessfully Staining Exotic hardwood Decks

2010-05-12T10:54:00.000-07:00

Copyright (c) 2009 SaverSystems

Years ago it seems like every deck that was built was constructed out of good old CCA...pine wood treated with copper chromium arsenic, commonly referred to as pressure treated lumber. Because most of the decks were constructed out of the same type of lumber (CCA), the products that you used to stain them and the way you went about it were all pretty similar. But not today. Things have changed.

Over the past several years lumber yards have worked at carving out their own niches in the marketplace by introducing new species of woods to the market. Products such as Cypress and Mahogany and rainforest hardwoods such as Ipe and Pau-Lope. These products offer an unequaled level of beauty and uniqueness as well as hardness and durability that far exceeds that of conventional lumber. These characteristics can offer huge advantages to the homeowner. However they also present a variety of challenges when it comes to staining.

Typically these types of woods are very dense, making it difficult for stains to be absorbed. Additionally, they can contain a high amount of natural oils making them resistant to penetration. For these reasons, they need to be treated a little differently when staining. That's not to say that they can't be stained, they just need to be treated a little differently. Don't fret though. I've outlined a few basics for you. "11 Keys" as I like to refer to them, that when followed, will help ensure that your project looks like it was stained by a Pro!

1. Let the Wood Weather

As I said in the opening, exotic hardwoods are dense and they can contain a large amount of natural oils that will work to block any wood stain that you try to apply from penetrating. So let Mother Nature help you out. Once your deck has been built, allow nature's elements to help break down the surface of the wood and dry it out so that stains will be more easily absorbed. The sun, the wind and the rain can do wonders. The more the wood weathers, the easier it will be to stain it and the longer your staining job should last.

2. Start With a Stripper

Even if your wood is brand new and has never been stained, it is still a great idea to start your project off by applying a stain stripper, such as Defy Exterior Wood Stain Stripper. Stain strippers are formulated using sodium hydroxide. Sodium hydroxide is an aggressive chemical that can be very effective at breaking down the surface of the wood, opening up its pores and making it more absorbent. Remember, the more stain that you can get the wood to absorb, the longer your project is going last.

3. Don't Forget to Brighten

Yes, you have to brighten the deck too, even if you're working with brand new wood. I know it seems kind of funny, having to brighten new wood but the brightener will do a couple of things for you. First, it will neutralize the effects of the stripper that you used previously. You always have to use an acid brightener after using an alkaline stripper. Secondly, in a similar fashion to the stripper, the brightener will also help to open up the porosity of the wood even further. Again, the more stain that you can get the wood to absorb the longer your project will last.

4. Take a Good Long Break

Good news. You can take the rest of the day off. Take two if you like. The important thing now is to allow the wood to dry out from all of the cleaning you've just done. The drier the wood gets, the better it will absorb the stain. The more stain that you can get the wood to absorb the longer your project will last. So take a day or two off and let things dry off before you start to think about applying the stain.

5. Not Any Old Stain Will Work

Your next big decision is what stain to use. Don't screw up here. Not just any stain will do. Certain stains have been formulated for better penetration, making them ideal for hardwoods. Most manufacturers offer a product in this category. Defy Deck Stain for Hardwoods is extremely durable, water-based and Eco-friendly. It's both easy to use and easy on the environment. Whatever stain you select, make sure that you choose one that has been specifically formulated for use on exotic hardwoods and other difficult to penetrate lumber.

6. Ask for Directions

For the female audience, I'm confident that you'll get this next step correct. However, all you men out there, ASK FOR DIRECTIONS. Everything that you need to know about the product that you are going to use is on the back of the can. Take a few minutes before you start and read it. The directions will make you aware of any particulars to the product that can affect how the job turns out. What is the dry time, how many coats should you apply, how much time between coats, is there a critical recoat time? There can be any number of things that you can pick up by reading the back of the can. Take a minute and read the directions.

7. Brushing Is Critical

These next few keys are really important so please pay attention. First, regardless of how you apply the stain (e.g., rolling, spraying) it absolutely 100% must be brushed. If you roll it on first, simply back brush it in after it's rolled on but while it is still wet. The same goes for spraying. "Why must I go to all of that trouble?" you ask. When you brush the stain, the brush creates a friction on the surface, breaking the surface tension of the wood and working the stain in to the pores of the wood. You get a much better penetration of the stain. Remember, the more stain that you can get the wood to absorb, the longer your project will last.

8. Wipe Off Any Excess

Ok, this one might throw you a little, but again, it's important. If you apply too much stain to the wood (more stain than what the wood can absorb), wipe off the excess. We don't think twice about wiping off excess stain when we are staining interior wood. My advice is to do the same if you over-apply stain on exterior hardwoods. The reason is simple. First, for aesthetics. When you apply too much stain, it puddles on the surface and looks bad. Secondly, over time those spots are likely to flake and peel. So how much stain should you apply? Only as much as the wood can easily absorb.

9. Let It Cure

At this point the deck is done. If you've taken your time and followed these steps, you've got a great looking project going. Don't mess up now, let things dry. Leave the furniture in the yard and the dog in the house while the stain has a chance to cure out. Come back tomorrow and put things back together. You'll be glad that you waited a day to do it.

10. Manage Your Expectations

Now here's some advice that I hope you accept. Manage your expectations. Remember, you've selected an exotic wood for your deck, a beautiful grade of lumber with extreme durability. Regardless of how good of a job you did in every step of this process you will never get the stain to last as long as it would on a more porous species of wood, such as pressure treated pine. But also realize that every time you stain it you'll get a little longer life out of your project. Time will continue to help the wood become more porous and as it does, it will absorb stain better each time.

11. Keep An Eye On Things

Lastly, you've put in a great deal of time and energy to stain your deck the right way, so keep an eye on things. As time goes on and the stain begins to fade and wear down, apply a maintenance coat. Don't let things erode so far that you're forced to strip everything off and start all over. It's pretty easy and it doesn't take much time to simply rinse things off and apply a fresh coat of stain.

So that's it. That's everything. Eleven keys to successfully staining exotic hardwoods. Go ahead and try these eleven keys for yourself. See what the results are when you set out on your next project to do it like a pro. You might just surprise yourself!

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Dave Barnes - About the Author:

Dave Barnes is a 30-year veteran and nationally recognized product expert of the paint and coatings industry. He has worked in multiple capacities within the business, including having key responsibilities with both product formulations and field application design. He currently serves as Executive Vice-President for SaverSystems Inc., a manufacturer of water repellents for concrete, masonry and wood deck sealers.

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Hardwood deck cleaning & staining

2010-05-12T10:13:00.000-07:00

Hardwood deck cleaning & staining
CarltonClean provides hardwood deck sanding, low pressure cleaning and staining.

Potomac, Maryland Couple – Another Satisfied Customer

2010-05-12T09:35:00.000-07:00

This past summer, my wife and I decided it was time to have our deck restored. Over the years, our deck had taken on a shabby appearance, and we wanted to change that. After an internet search of “ Maryland Deck Cleaning “, a local company www.carltoncleans.com was selected to handle the project for us. A call was made to them, and the following morning a team of professionals arrived at our home, ready to begin.

First, they carefully listened to what it was we wished to have done. Then completely explained their 3 Stage Process to remove dirt, algae, and UV damage; plus described the deck sealing procedure, and which sealant would be used for the job. Finally, providing us with a very-reasonably priced written estimate. My wife and I were both satisfied with all the terms of the agreement, so Carlton and his crew began their meticulous work immediately.

The work was finished on time, and we couldn’t be happier with the results. When we saw our deck, once they had completed everything – we were stunned by how beautiful it appeared. It looked like a brand new deck had replaced our old one. We still marvel at how nice our deck is. And since our deck’s restoration, we really enjoy hosting barbecues again; not to mention the renewed appreciation we’ve developed for just spending time outdoors in our backyard.

We highly recommend his company to our family and friends as well.

Ana

Deck Restoration Saves Money

2010-05-12T09:31:00.000-07:00

Deck restoration will help you to maintain the investment you’ve made in your home. Your deck is an outdoor extension of your house, providing you the space to both relax and entertain friends. A knowledgeable Deck Cleaning Professional can restore your decks beauty, while applying a protective finish, which will more than double the lifetime of an untreated deck.

Replacing your deck may cost as much as twenty-times the amount of restoring an existing serviceable deck, and the longer you put off having your deck restoration, the more damage weather can do. Mother nature works day and night, 365 days per year, to destroy your decks integrity. The sun’s UV rays break down the fiber in the wood, leaving your deck vulnerable to further degeneration, even as the damp underside of your deck provides a near-perfect environment for mold, mildew, and fungi to quickly spread. So why wait until your deck loses it’s natural color, or begins to decay and fall apart – when treating it promptly can eliminate these problems?

Hiring a licensed/insured Deck Cleaning Specialist, guarantees the best results in maintaining your deck’s appeal and safety for many years to come. Their careful use of pressure washing equipment, along with scrub brushes and hard work; should give your deck a clean, new look. Then by using a preservation product such as high-end penetrating stain, formulated with non-drying oils; your deck should hold up to the harshest weather. Reapplication every 2-3 years is necessary to maintain maximum protection and beauty.

Carlton Mitchell 301-906-4446 Maryland Pressure Washing Services

B & A POWERWASHING Company Ad fail

2010-03-18T05:34:00.000-07:00

B & A POWERWASHING Company Ad fail to tell it all Centerville Virginia
... B & A POWERWASHING Desperate Need of a 2006 Appointment Book

Ripoff Report: B&A Power Washing Inc Wrongful billing; deplorable and inexcusable customer service Chantilly Virginia

2010-01-09T00:19:00.000-08:00

Ripoff Report: B&A Power Washing Inc Wrongful billing; deplorable and inexcusable customer service Chantilly Virginia

Proper Deck Cleaning and Sealing

2009-09-07T06:11:00.000-07:00

Please complete our online form to request an estimate or schedule an appointment.

Alternatively you may call Carlton directly at 301-906-4446

Having your deck properly cleaned and sealed is essential to its longevity. Cleaning and sealing a deck should not be a one time thing; it needs to be done every couple of years. Most professional deck cleaning

companies will offer a deck maintenance program so that your wood deck looks good all the time and lasts for years to come. In this article we will answer some common questions home owners have pertaining to deck maintenance.

How soon can I have my new deck cleaned and sealed? Many people have heard that you should let your deck "dry out" for a year prior to cleaning and sealing it. This is a myth and the truth be told, most of the damage is done to your deck in the first 6 months or so.

After 12 months the wood can be split and cracked from water damage and will have turned gray from the suns damaging UV rays. At this point it isn't too late to have it cleaned and protected but the sooner the better.

A professional deck restoration company can take moisture readings in the wood and let you know for sure when your deck is ready to be sealed. Usually within 1-3 months, depending on the climate and location of the deck, it will be ready for a proper cleaning and some deck sealer.

Is it possible to restore a deck that has aged? Depending on the situation an older deck can be brought back to life. As long as the boards aren't too warped or rotted, getting rid of all the gray dead wood fibers is not a problem. Some sanding may be necessary before it is sealed and your deck contractor may offer those services also.

Even if there is some structural damage a deck contractor could probably do some repairs for you before having it cleaned and sealed. A quality deck cleaning contractor should be able to make an assessment of your deck before attempting to restore it, that way you know what to expect.

Can I clean and seal my own deck? It is possible for a do-it-yourselfer to restore their own deck but I recommend they have some knowledge of the chemicals used and experience in using a pressure washing unit. Wood is actually very soft and when hit with too much water pressure it can easily be marked and scarred. Some people don't realize all the skill and know how that is essential in restoring a deck properly and will sometimes get a friend are family member to do it for them.

Again I don't recommend letting anyone lacking the experience to touch your deck. When a wooden deck is cleaned and sealed improperly it will only cost you more money to have it fixed and done right the next time.

Can I just seal my deck without washing it? The answer to this question is NO, not if you want the sealer to penetrate properly and last. The number one reason a sealer fails is because the wood was not prepared properly. Even a very expensive sealer is not going to do its job unless the wood has been prepped correctly.

Special chemicals need to be used to remove dead fibers, dirt, mildew and other pollutants and it all has to be cleaned using low water pressure so the wood isn't damaged. In some cases a deck sealer stripper is used to remove an old failing sealer, it is important to remove all traces of old sealers so the new sealer can adhere to the wood.

More times than not, most sealers will not adhere to each other and some sealers won't even adhere to itself after a certain amount of time. Contractors using the proper stripping technique will depend heavily on their chemicals to do the work so the right amount of low pressure can be used.

After the cleaning or stripping process a neutralizing step is then needed. The reason for this is because the cleaner or stripper used is considered a caustic and will leave the wood with a high PH level. Deck sealer does not adhere well or properly in this situation. A neutralizer is sprayed on the wood to lower the PH and leave the wood more acidic so the sealer will protect and last a couple years like expected.

Deck restoration and maintenance is a wonderful service when done right, it saves you money by protecting your added living space. Please understand that not all deck cleaning companies have the proper knowledge, just like any industry there are the unethical companies out there just trying to make a buck, so be sure to ask the contractor what his methods and techniques are so you can get the service you expect.

Learn more about deck cleaning and proper deck maintenance at Midwest Pro Wash or contact Shane Hester at WebFirstCreations to get your own construction website .

Real Estate Appraisal Fee

2009-09-06T19:21:00.000-07:00

The first thing many clients ask when calling an appraiser is “how much does the appraisal cost?”.

A few questions more important are:

Where is the appraiser's office? (base coverage area/local experience)

What techniques are used to reconcile market price variances? (regression modeling/match pair sales)

· Does the appraiser have experience developing appraisal reports for your particular intended use?

To To board of a market segment definition could compile large number of data points from inferior or superior market segments skewing the statistical model or supporting an opinion of value not reflective of the subject property.

Beware, like many things in life you get what you pay for. This does not mean the more you pay the higher the value but more importantly ensure the appraiser you hire has experience in statistical modeling and is familiar with local market trends.

Condition typically carries a lot of weight in residential market pricing. An inadequate investigation in this area can have a negative impact on the opinion of value. When appraisers take short cuts in sales analysis the appraiser may end up doing a disservice to the client by developing an opinion of value from data points not reflective of the subject property. In the context of time is money, how much time do you think the cheapest appraiser will spend on data analysis?

Sample FHA Repair requirements (this list is based on Carlton Mitchell's interpretation of FHA regulations)

2009-09-06T19:19:00.000-07:00

Exterior peeling paint exposing unprotected wood (built after 1978 is not a factor)
Missing high voltage outlet covers
Peeling paint on a home built prior to 1978 (exposed unprotected wood not a factor) interior or exterior
Plumbing leaks
Broken Furnace
Non-opening bedroom windows
Poor caulking or flashing allowing water penetration
Excessively cracked shingles or missing shingles
Active wood eating insects observed or damage observed with no documented treatment
Excessive foundation cracks or foundation movement that affects the livability or structural integrity of the home ( a structural engineer may be needed to determine scope of work for repair applicable to county building codes
Rotten or inadequate bolted (fixed) deck/porch post/beams
Inadequately vented attic or attic bathroom vent tubes
Inadequate water pressure
Less than 60 amp service

2009-09-06T19:02:00.000-07:00

Deck Cleaning

2009-09-06T19:01:00.000-07:00

Most decks in the Washington DC area are constructed of pressured treated pine. Pine is a soft wood and the older the deck the more critical it is to clean the wood with out high water pressure. Most cheap deck cleaning services are cutting cost during the deck cleaning or staining processes either by rushing through the cleaning process with high water pressure only cleaning or by using inferior sealant products such as clear coats which often are weathered in 6 months or by using solid colored acrylics from Home Depot. The solid color acrylics are not favored by licensed contractors because they are aesthetically ugly, hard to remove to change to another color tone, and because they are a surface covering they tend to peel and crack with natural expansion and contraction of the wood in an outdoor environment.

Grimmett Contracting recommends only 100% oil stains and sealants.