Detailed process

RESTORATION STEPS

The restoration process involves several steps, all of which are very important. We pay particular attention to each step to ensure the best quality product.

Once we have gathered the information we need, we prepare a thorough evaluation and recommendations as well as an estimate. We encourage you to ask any questions you may have.
We always keep in mind that, although we make recommendations, it is your home and we will work to best satisfy your needs.

If you have minor repairs, Cal Preserving can make recommendations.
For new construction, larger repair or complete rebuild projects, we highly suggest that you contact a general builder. Below is a list of deck and fence builders that we work with that do a great job. Please contact them directly and mention that Cal Preserving recommended them.

Once you finish your project, it would be a good idea to speak with Cal Preserving about preserving the new wood.

If you have sensitive plants or other surfaces that need protecting against water intrusion, we will take all precautions to minimize potential damage.
Before starting work we can remove all furniture, planters, BBQ, etc. as needed.

Stain remover

If your wood has an old stain from previous work, we will apply a bio degradable stain removing solution using a low pressure sprayer.

Mold and mildew remover

If the exterior of your house (painted wooden siding, stucco, eaves, etc.) has any mold, mildew or stains present, we highly recommend removing it. In this case we will first apply a bio degradable house cleaner and mildew killer using a low pressure sprayer followed by pressure washing.

Setting nails or screws

If screws or nails are protruding from the wood surface, we recommend setting them slightly below the surface. For this we use a screw gun and/or hammer and nail punch. If we are sanding, we will drive the screws or nails in slightly more.

Proper pressure washing is an essential part of the wood restoration process. It is also the most difficult and potentially damaging step in the process. We often see decks and siding significantly damaged by improper pressure washing. Our highly skilled workers use varying degrees of pressure, depending on the specific condition to ensure that no damage is done.
Proper power washing is the most effective and efficient way to remove the outer layer of deteriorated wood, old stain, clean growth and debris from between the boards, in cracks, and crevasses. This can make the wood less smooth. It may be necessary to sand if texture is not to your liking or if we are unable to remove completely any pre-existing stain or other material.
The wood will now look much newer and be largely free of the organic mater that can rot decking and its substructure (if the substructure is accessible). The strong, more new-like cells are now exposed and should be preserved soon.

If power-washing creates an “un-smooth” surface or does not remove pre-existing materials (i.e. old stain) or if you just want the wood to look as new as possible, sanding is the best way to rectify the situation.
Depending on the surface condition, its accessibility, as well as the wood type, we offer different types of sanding. All of our technicians are highly trained to use the appropriate commercial grade floor sanders, floor buffers and smaller sanding equipment. The grit of sandpaper we use depends on the condition of the wood. Sanding can also help better prepare the wood to receive the coat of preservative.
If sanding is not specified in our proposal, it is not included in the price.

We use “wood bleach” (oxalic acid) which occurs in nature in a weed called oxalis (aka sour grass) as well as spinach and other plants. This substance:

  • “brightens” the wood making it look more new like
  • neutralizes the pH after the stain remover was used
  • opens the pores for better penetration of the preservative
  • for new wood, removes dark marks and other anomalies present from the lumberyard or the construction process

After the wood surface has been bleached, we rinse with water and let it dry.

The preservative we use is an oil-based, semi-transparent stain with a very natural color. It penetrates deep into the wood providing protection against the damage that can be caused by UV rays and growth that can occur due to the extended presence of water or moisture.
The important features of this product include the following:

  • it is very lightly pigmented, naturally colored (this makes the maintenance easier)
  • it contains UV absorbing trans oxide pigments (protects the wood from the sun)
  • it contains a powerful mildewcide (protects the wood against growth that can occur and cause rot)
  • it is a one coat product (we apply one flood coat to fill the wood cells, but not leave residue on the surface)
  • it is effectively applied by rolling and brushing (we do not spray)
  • it requires a dry time of 24-48 hours (depending on weather conditions)

First 48 hours:

  • Please keep in mind that the preservative (stain) that we applied can take a couple days to completely dry.
  • Please be mindful of tracking any stain from your deck into your house or onto adjacent concrete, etc. Just remove your shoes before entering those areas.
  • If you have furniture we suggest that you test it by wiping a paper towel across the wood to see if any residue comes off on the towel. If so, give it some more time before putting cushions or sitting directly on the furniture.

Keep the deck and other wood clean, dry and uncovered:

  • Use a broom or blower to keep dirt and debris from gathering or building up on the wood or more importantly from between the boards.
  • Use a saw blade or thin tool to remove debris from between the boards to avoid trapping moisture.
  • Remember trapped moisture might cause fungus to grow, so minimize using water on the wood.
  • Redirect your sprinkler system so that the water doesn’t hit the wood.
  • Avoid covering the wood such that the air flow is limited.
  • Put any plants up on roller trays, reevaluate the drip system to avoid the water overflow and move the plants regularly.

If you have difficulty removing dirt or mud from the wood. Try the steps below, but proceed with caution and stop once dirt comes off as it will accelerate the deterioration of the preservative (stain):

  • Cold water rinse with a standard hose nozzle.
  • Use a broom to scrub stubborn dirt.
  • Switch to warm water.
  • Add soap to the water.
  • Contact Cal Preserving.

For more information and tips.
Visit us at https://www.calpreserving.com/faq/


PRODUCTS WE USE

We are very meticulous about the quality of products we use. We make sure that they are not only effective, but also as environmentally friendly as possible. All materials we use meet the Federal and California VOC Standards and are safe for your family, pets and plants.

Deleted:

Function
Name
SDS
Stain remover Superdeck Stain and Sealer Remover SDS
House cleaner and mildew killer Jomax House Cleaner and Mildew Killer SDS
Wood bleach Wood bleach SDS
Preservative (semi-transparent stain) for redwood Preserva Premium Timber Oil, color Natural Timber SDS
Preservative (semi-transparent stain) for cedar Preserva Premium Timber Oil, color Mountain Cedar SDS
Preservative (semi-transparent stain) for hardwoods Messmer’s UV Plus for Hardwoods, color Natural SDS

VIDEOS

Check out these videos to see our restoration process.