EXPLORE OUR WORK

New Builds

We Build New Decks, Arbors, and Pergolas

RESTORATION, REPAIRS, AND PRESERVATION

We Restore, Preserve, and Repair Decks, Arbors, Pergolas, Shake/Shingle Houses, and Fences

The Process of Restoring and Preserving Wood

Our expert preservation service is integral to the lifespan of any natural wood.

Preserved Wood

Water Beads on Preserved Wood

Not Preserved

Water Penetrates and Damages Unpreserved Wood

Decks

The cleaning and preserving of your natural wood deck involves several steps.

Step One: Surrounding vegetation that might be affected by the cleaning and preservation process is covered and/or pulled away from the surface being worked on to protect it from any damage.

Step Two: Envirotek Restoration, Inc. then cleans the deck using the proper level of pressurized water and cleanser. The use of high pressure can cause damage to the wood surface. Using the proper pressure combined with the proper volume of water will minimize damage to the wood. It is recommended not to exceed 1500 - 2000 PSI (pounds per square inch) on the wood. By using a pressure washer that applies 6 gallons per minute (a large volume of water), we avoid using excessive pressure on the wood. Thus protecting the wood from gouges and scaring. As important as it is to use the proper pressure and volume of water, it is equally important to use the proper cleanser for your deck. Application of the cleanser on the wood surface dissolves the old stains, dirt, mold, mildew, and dead cells.

Step Three: After cleaning the deck, a brightener is applied to enhance the color of the wood and return it to its natural status. Without use of the brightener, the deck will remain dull in color.

Step Four: We let the deck dry for approximately 24 to 48 hours, depending on the weather.

Step Five: Once the deck has dried, we return to your home to flush the nails and sand the flat surfaces of the natural wood deck. Newer decks or those in better condition may not require sanding. Envirotek Restoration, Inc. uses commercial orbital sanders with the proper grade of sandpaper to smooth the flat surfaces of the deck. The grade of sandpaper varies according to the wood's quality, age, and condition. If required, Envirotek Restoration, Inc. also replaces damaged boards. Not all decks require boards to be replaced.

Step Six: Envirotek Restoration, Inc. then applies one or two coats of TWP (Total Wood Protectant) to the flat surfaces and one coat of TWP to the railings and verticals of your deck. The two coats are applied wet on wet. Envirotek Restoration, Inc. uses one of the highest quality products on the market to preserve your deck; TWP (Total Wood Protectant). The vast majority of decks are made from redwood. Redwood is a softwood, and TWP penetrates deep into the wood to protect it from the inside out. However, other preservatives will be used to preserve your deck if it is made from one of the many hardwoods currently being imported from South America, such as ironwood/IPE, etc.

Step Seven: We recommend allowing at least 48 hours of drying time prior to using the deck.

Step Eight: Invite friends and family over for a barbecue and show off your beautiful new-looking deck.

Recommendations: Natural softwood decks should be cleaned and preserved every 16 -18 months, while hardwood decks should be maintained every 12 - 14 months on average, depending upon the amount of sunlight it receives, usage, and exposure to the elements. Some decks can go longer, while others need to be maintained more often.
The moisture content of exterior softwoods should be within 17% to 19%. When exterior woods are not preserved, they will absorb more moisture than recommended during the rainy season and retain less water than recommended during the dry season. When exterior woods are preserved, they will repel excess water during the rainy season and retain the proper amount of moisture during the dry season for the active life of the preservative. Envirotek Restoration, Inc. uses the highest quality products on the market for preserving exterior wood.

Click the slider button on each photo to see Before and After

Houses

Envirotek Restoration, Inc. is the industry leader for the Bay Area Peninsula in preserving natural wood homes. Both cedar and redwood are very soft and very thin wood that must be maintained in a specific manner to ensure their integrity and beauty. The cleaning and preserving of your natural wood house involves several steps. Envirotek Restoration, Inc. takes each and every step very seriously.

Step One: Surrounding vegetation that might be affected by the cleaning and preservation process is covered and/or pulled away from the surface being worked on to protect it from any damage.

Step Two: Envirotek Restoration, Inc. then pressure washes your house using the proper level of pressurized water and cleanser. The use of high pressure can cause damage to the wood surface. Using the proper pressure combined with the proper volume of water will minimize damage to the wood. It is recommended not to exceed 1500 PSI (pounds per square inch) on the wood. By using a pressure washer that applies 6 gallons per minute (a large volume of water), we avoid using excessive pressure on the wood. Thus protecting the wood from gouges and scarring. As important as it is to use the proper pressure and volume of water, it is equally important to use the proper cleanser on your house. Application of the cleanser on the wood surface dissolves the old stains, dirt, moss, mold, mildew, and dead cells.

Step Three: After cleaning the house, a brightener is applied to enhance the color of the wood and return it to its natural status. Without use of the brightener, the house will remain dull in color.

Step Four: At this point, we let the house dry for approximately 24-48 hours.

Step Five: Once the wood has dried, we apply one coat of TWP to the structure. Envirotek Restoration, Inc. uses one of the highest quality products on the market (TWP; Total Wood Protectant) to preserve your exterior woods. TWP penetrates deep into the wood to protect it from the inside out, thus ensuring better preservation.

Step Six: Once we have applied the preservative to your home, a minimum of 48 hours should be allowed for the preservative to dry.

Recommendations: Natural wood houses should be cleaned and preserved every three to five years on average, depending upon the amount of direct sunlight and exposure to the elements. Some homes can go longer, while others need to be maintained more often. Maintaining your natural wood home is an investment worth making. Cleaning and preserving your home with the proper process and materials will ensure its beauty, integrity, longevity, and value.

Click the slider button on the photo to see Before and After