Whether you have a classic cedar deck in Lake Bonavista or a modern composite space in Mahogany, your outdoor living area takes a beating from the Alberta elements. Between the intense high-altitude UV rays and the relentless “Foothills dust,” a deck can go from looking brand new to grey and weathered in just a few seasons.
Many homeowners make the mistake of thinking a high-pressure blast is the only way to get it clean. However, in our experience at Geokat Clean Pro, we’ve seen too many beautiful decks ruined by “wand scars” and splintered wood caused by DIY pressure washing.
The Problem with High Pressure on Wood
Wood is a organic, fibrous material. When you hit it with 3,000 PSI, you aren’t just removing dirt; you are actually tearing the wood fibers apart. This leads to:
- Splintering: Which makes the deck uncomfortable (and dangerous) for bare feet.
- Furry Wood: A texture caused by “lignin” being stripped away, making it impossible for stain to bond correctly.
- Deep Scarring: Permanent marks that can only be fixed by heavy sanding.
Why Soft Washing is the Better Choice
For most Calgary decks, we recommend the Soft Wash approach. This involves applying a specialized, biodegradable wood cleaner at low pressure—about the same force as a garden hose.
The cleaner does the hard work by breaking down grey UV-damaged cells, mold, and mildew. After the solution has sat for a few minutes, we gently rinse it away to reveal the natural wood underneath. This process is much safer for the wood and prepares the surface perfectly if you plan on staining later in the summer.
Managing the “Alberta Grime”
In Calgary, we deal with a specific type of buildup. The fine silt from our winds acts like sandpaper on your deck’s finish. Furthermore, if you’ve had a “spring melt” recently, your deck might be covered in a layer of sticky tree sap or bird droppings.
Our professional cleaning process addresses these local environmental factors. We ensure that every corner, including the railings and stairs, is free of the “prairie film” that dulls your deck’s appearance.
Protecting the Bow River Watershed
As a local Calgary business, we care about our environment. Many “store-bought” deck cleaners contain harsh bleach or acids that can kill your grass and harm local waterways.
We follow City of Calgary Bylaw 14M2012 by using eco-friendly solutions and capturing runoff where necessary. We make sure that while your deck gets revived, your garden and the local storm drains stay protected.
Get Your Deck Ready for BBQ Season
Don’t spend your weekend on your hands and knees scrubbing boards. Let the pros handle the revival so you can get back to enjoying the sun. Whether you need a simple spring refresh or a deep clean to prepare for a fresh coat of stain, we’re here to help.
Ready to see your deck look like new again? Contact us for a friendly, no-pressure quote for your home in Calgary or the surrounding areas!
