Deck & Fence Cleaning in Aurora, CO

Deck and fence cleaning takes a light touch. Softwoods such as cedar and pine are easy to gouge, and a high-pressure stream can raise the grain into a fuzzy surface that soaks up stain unevenly. Composite boards can scar or show permanent wand marks. We clean decks and fences at low pressure with a wood-appropriate cleaner and let the chemistry do most of the work.

Sun, dry air and gray wood

Aurora's official elevation is 5,471 feet, and the EPA notes that UV intensity rises about 6% per kilometer of elevation. Strong sun breaks down the surface layer of unprotected wood, which turns gray, while dry air and freeze-thaw cycles open small checks and cracks. Cleaning removes the loose gray layer and dirt, and it is the step that has to come before any new stain or sealer.

Wood decks

• Dirt, pollen and mildew in shaded spots are removed with a low-pressure wash
• Old, failing stain can be loosened with a stripper where you plan to restain
• A brightener can help restore color after cleaning
• Boards are rinsed and left to dry fully before any finish goes on

Angi notes that pros may suggest soft washing rather than high-power pressure washing for wooden decks, and that is our default.

Composite and PVC decking

Composite decking is less likely to grow mildew than bare wood, but it still collects dirt, pollen and grease from grills. It also scars easily under high pressure. We use a composite-safe cleaner and low pressure, and if the board manufacturer publishes cleaning instructions for your product, we follow them.

Fences

Wood privacy fences take sun on one side and sprinkler spray on the other. The bottom boards near the ground often carry dirt splash and growth, and the sunny side tends to gray first. We clean both sides when you and your neighbor agree, and we protect plants along the fence line. Shared fences are worth discussing with the neighbor before we start, since washing only one side can leave an obvious difference.

Preparing for stain

If you plan to stain or seal after cleaning, the wood needs time to dry; the right wait depends on the weather and the product, so check the stain manufacturer's directions. We can clean on a schedule that leaves room for drying before your stain date. Angi lists deck staining at $550 to $1,250 and sealing at $560 to $1,380 nationally, so a proper clean protects that spending.

Wash water around wood

We keep rinse water on the property and away from the street and storm drains, follow the cleaner's label directions for rinsing and plant protection, and stay in line with Aurora's stormwater code as it reads.