Your deck is the heart of your outdoor living space, the place where Tennessee summers are spent grilling and relaxing with family. However, whether your deck is made of natural wood or modern composite materials, it is constantly exposed to the harsh sun and heavy rain. Wood is particularly vulnerable; it’s a porous material that acts like a sponge for moisture, leading to the growth of algae, mold, and rot. Without regular cleaning, a beautiful cedar or pressure-treated deck can turn into a grey, slippery, and dangerous eyesore in just a few seasons.
At Skinner Cleaning LLC, we specialize in the delicate art of wood and vinyl restoration. Cleaning a deck isn't as simple as turning a pressure washer on high and going to town. In fact, too much pressure can "fur" the wood, stripping away the soft fibers and leaving a rough, splintery surface that is painful to walk on. We use a "soft wash" approach for decks and fences, using specific detergents to kill the organic growth and loosen the grey, weathered wood cells so they can be gently rinsed away.
This process is also the essential first step if you are planning to stain or seal your deck. You should never apply a new coat of stain over a dirty or greyed surface, as the finish won't be able to bond with the wood and will peel off within a year. Our cleaning process opens up the "pores" of the wood, allowing your sealer or stain to penetrate deep into the fibers. This ensures a much more durable finish and a more beautiful, consistent color that will last for years to come.
Vinyl fences are another common feature in our area that require professional attention. While vinyl is marketed as "low maintenance," it is certainly not "no maintenance." In our humid climate, vinyl fences often become covered in green algae, especially on the shaded sides. This doesn't just look bad; the organic acids can eventually stain the vinyl permanently if left too long. We use a gentle soft wash to melt away the green film, leaving your fence looking as bright and white as the day it was installed.
By investing in professional cleaning, you are extending the life of your outdoor structures by years. Replacing a deck or a fence is a massive financial undertaking; cleaning and maintaining them is a small fraction of that cost. We take the time to ensure every spindle, railing, and post is treated with care. Whether you have a sprawling wrap-around porch or a simple privacy fence, we provide the expertise needed to keep your wood and vinyl looking their absolute best.