Sap seepage!

[5 Star Johnny]

I have a deck that I completely restored two seasons ago, and performed annual maintenance on late this spring. The client called about sap leaks on the deck. Went to look at it, and it's popping up all over the place. I've had this happen before, but in a small spot or two. Firstly, would appreciate input as to the "why's". Secondly, what are your remedies for this problem?

The once or twice this has happened before, I scraped off the surface sap, heated the area with a torch, let it cool, rubbed on some finish & done. This has worked, but again, only ever tried this in a small area. Don't want to mess up an entire deck.

Any help is appreciated.

 

[PressurePros]

John,

I have heard others mention the "clot" method. I have never tried it. How does it affect the finish in that area? I replace boards that have sap issues. There is really little else you can do.

 

[5 Star Johnny]

If I had to replace boards with running sap, I'd be redoing at least a 1/3 of the deck surface. I've never seen this condition this wide spread. In talking with Diamond Jim, he thought using the parafinnic oil base product we applied reactiviated the sap. He also said it could take a couple years for it to run it's course. I'm hoping I can fix this for the client as it's hard to walk on the deck without stepping in a sap area.

As far as the "clot" method, you just have to be careful to heat the sap surface to bubbling without burning the wood or finish. Just takes a close eye and moving the flame on & off the area.

I'm going to scrape all the areas, clot as well as I can & clean the sap off with turpentine. I may have to touch up a little finish, but don't want to reintroduce too much material that may cause the sap to run again. It's always something!!

By the way Ken, thanks for your advice on the siding cleaning. Working well for the most part. I am having a hell of a time with removing heavy oxidation on both vinyl & aluminum. Usually end up going back over these areas with a different cleaner, brushing and hot water cleaning with higher pressure. Any suggestions?

 

[PressurePros]

Yes, parafinic oil aggravates the condition. I use Baker's and it does the same thing.

John, I am not a fan of removing oxidation unless there is some type of coating going over top. The only way to remove oxidation is by: Brushing, using a high caustic, or washing every inch with a little more (but even) pressure.