Deck With Lattice

[Richard R.]

I need a little help.

I have a deck scheduled for the 18th of June which a portion of it is about 7 ft off of the ground. There is a large amount of lattice framing the bottom of the deck structure and lattice attached on the outside of the rail and spindles.

Is there anything special that I need to be aware of in the cleaning and sealing process of the lattice that would be any different than the rest of the deck?

Also, as for the cleaning procedure, I have observed many other contractors using a bleach and sodium hydroxide to clean the deck. Does anyone have a special mix that will really deep clean this wood. Also keep in mind that there are a large amount of plants around the deck.
It was sealed with Thompson Water Seal about 3 years ago. I looked at the deck and noticed that severely weather black and green with what appears to be heavy mold and mildew. The owner says she wants the deck just cleaned and sealed.

Could someone tell me what a real good but inexpensive self cleaning procedure that has astonishing out come to it.

The last deck I cleaned I used an olympic deck wash and I don't mind telling you, the outcome wasn't what I expected. I don't know if it was the type of wood or if it was the cleaning chemical itself, but after washing it twice, I still wasn't impressed.

Much Thanks in Advance

Richard R.

 

[Dan Flynn]

If there is a possibility that there is sealer on the wood. Use a sodium hydroxide base cleaner/stripper. Spray on let sit for a few minutes, then wash off.

Follow up with oxalic acid and your done. That's all there is to it.

 

[Richard R.]

Thanks Dan,
Glad to see you and your family made it through the flood.

I'm almost sure there is a trace of sealer somewhere under all the black and Green mold and mildew because the deck is mostly shaded. I base that assumption only on the fact that there was not much sun to deteriorate the deck over the three years.

I can't seem to find oxalic acid anywhere in this area. I'm sure I'm looking in the wrong places, but never the less, I can't get my hands on any.
Do you have any suggestions.

Thanks

Richard R.

 

[Greg Rentschler]

Typically decks that have been sealed with thompsons in the past clean real easy. The product itself is garbage but it encourages the degraded surfce fibers to break free. We usually clean a deck of the nature using a sodium percarbonate mix and then follow with an oxalic bath. Works every time. With the mildew problem it appears to have the sodium hydroxide will help in removing and killing it off. Don't use sodium hydroxide unless you can follow it up with oxalic although. We obtain ours through a local chemical supplier at around a buck a pound.

Good Luck,

Greg - TimberSeal

 

[Richard R.]

Hey Guys,

Is the oxalic acid just as bad on the plants as the bleach, or worse?
And how bad is it if I splash it on me?

Thanks

Richard R

 

[Mike Hughes]

I use Ready Products #80 Brightner, which, among other things, contains Oxalic acid. It is not terribly harmful to plants or your person.

I did a deck last week with massive amounts of lattice. I have pictures, but I can't find the disc from that job at the moment. How careful you need to be depends on which type of lattice it is........there are two grades.......one is very flimsy and the other is about a 1/4 inch thick and stronger. You have nothing to worry about if it is the stronger variety, but too much pressure on that thin stuff will bust it up. As it is, lattice is only held together by staples. If you are stripping the deck, that will help, because you should be able to get away with using less pressure.

I often use a dual lance wand for lattice and dial the pressure lower then I normally would.

 

[Greg Rentschler]

Doesn't Garden grade lattice suck........


anyway oxalic is pretty safe around plants. Many actually rheiv on it. We have NEVER ran into a problem with vegetation and the oxalic. Getting it on you however is a different story. Oxalic acid robs your body of calcium and coverts it into a useless byproduct through a chemical reaction within your body (if its allowed to absorb into you). Wear gloves and a respirator when applying along with your typical gear. It is a toxic product that can cause oxaliosis (sp?) as well. Read your MSDS before using for all the information about using this product safely.

Greg

 

[JR Wood]

Home depot,Zep deck and fence cleaner is oxalic acid.$5.47 per gallon can be sprayed through downstream.Claims to make 20 gallons.

 

[Richard R.]

Hey Guys,
I really appreciate all the help.

Looks like Home Depo is going to be my best bet.
I live about 15 to 20 miles away from Home Depo and don't get a chance to keep up with all the things they offer. We have a large Lowes here in our area and I don't mind telling you, I'm not impressed with their selection of products.

I guess buying oxalic acid by itself is not such a good idea huh?

Thanks Again.

Richard R.

 

[spraymasters]

Hi Richard,
For the Oxalic Acid for decks you can get it shipped to you in powder form and you mix it on the job. Call Sun Brite at 770-277-6363 and ask for Chris or Pete and tell them Dennis from Spray Masters sent ya! You can also ask them about their ready to use deck cleaner called Safe Wash. Just mix it with hot water, spray it on...wash off. We use it all the time and it really gets the gray/green stuff.
Be careful with the lattace. Too much pressure will wreck havic!!!
If I can help any further just let me know.
Dennis

 

[Mike Hughes]

Dennis,

Do you use the safe wash with a pump up sprayer? The last time I tried a powdered cleaner like that, It got all clogged up. I did mix with hot water. Also, what source are you using for you hot water on the jobsite, or are you mixing it before you leave home?

Mike

 

[Clean County]

Mike,
When you say you mixed the powder with hot water and your sprayer got all clogged up how did you mix it. What I do when I have to mix something I use a mixer that attaches to my drill. The Company from Georgia sells it. This mixer has been a Godsend. The mixer I have can mix 5 gallon buckets. The company sells mixer attachment that can go on a drill and mix up to 55gal. drums. The one I have I paid about $15. I use it to mix stains chemicals etc.
[dog]

 

[Chris Detter]

Hey everybody,
Here's how our guy's dissolve the safewash so there is no clogging.
In the morning they simply mix enough for the days work in a gallon or so of warm water. Let in sit in the van while in transit to the job, (keep lid off) then when they need it they simply add cold water to the bucket in the amount they need, It's all dissolved even before they get to the job. Too simple..... Keep in mind that the product is oxygenated bleach and is only good for about 8 hours after mixing. Hope this helps.
Chris @ sun brite. Y'all have a sun Brite day..........

 

[Richard R.]

Hey JR

I got one for you.
I went to Home Depot like you said, bought the Zep Deck and Fence. When I bought it, it was a Green Liquid. I left it out side over night and the next day, the Green turned to a clear liquid.
What's up with that?

I checked and the seal was still unbroken.
Is the chemical (oxalic acid) still active you think?

Richard R

 

[spraymasters]

Mike,
We have used the "Safe Wash" on almost every deck we have done. That stuff really works.
What we do is ask the homeowner if we can get some hot water out of their sink. I bring in a 2 gallon bucket and mix TWICE the strength it calls for. I do this because I apply the chem with the X-jet getting 2 to 1. Works great and the 2 gallon mix is the perfect size to work with before the boards get too dry and I get tired!
Here is our method:
I mix the chem in the hot water and stir gently. Does not need much to mix if you use hot water.
I then hook up the X-Jet and spray the deck down with water. I then drop in the end and spray on the chems with it.
I then run over the deck with a stiff brush quickly and lightly.
This allows for the 5 minutes set time and really gets the chems working.
I then hook up the wand and do one board at a time with a 40 degree tip.
That stuff really lifts up the green and black on a board.
Wait about 48 hours of good dry weather and then stain with Ready Seal.

We just did a deck that was neglected for 14 years. Was in terrible shape. The mildrew and dirt made it look like it was painted with a green/black paint!!!
Came up beautiful. Some fuzzies(not much) but what can you expect with it going that long untouched.

Hope this helps!
Dennis