Ipe, pronounced e-pay, is a tropical hardwood with characteristics that make it the material of choice for outdoor construction. Ipe lumber requires very little maintenance, is so dense it is fireproof and virtually indestructible in residential use.

Ipe
Tabebuia spp.
(Lapacho group)

General Characteristics: Heartwood olive brown to dark brown, sometimes with lighter or darker striping. Texture fine to medium; luster low to medium; grain straight to irregular. Odor when milled is sweet, vanilla.

Proper Ipe Deck Cleaning Procedures

1.  Inspect Ipe deck surface for stains, mildew, UV sunlight damage and other conditions. 




2.  Tighten loose screws.




3.  If necessary Strip existing stain from deck, railings, footers, lattice and steps.

 


4.  Pre-treat deck, railings, footers, lattice and steps with Disodium Peroxydicarbonate.

 


5.  Lightly powerwash deck, railings, footers, lattice and steps. (with less than 1,000 PSI)

 



6.  Neutralize and properly restore the pH balance of the wood.

 


7.  Re-inspect surface.

 



8.  Seal all cleaned surfaces with Ready Seal Deck Sealer, then Six months later, reapply for best results.

 

 



 

 *Ready Seal is a paraffinic oil based semi-transparent sealer and stain in one.  It is a unique blend of resin, pigment, oil, and algaecide that penetrates deeply into wood to protect and preserve it from the elements.  To properly maintain wood, a light cleaning and re-coat is recommended twice the first year, then each year on horizontal surfaces and every 2-3 years on vertical surfaces.


Save 10-15%!
Henry's Housework offers a deck cleaning maintenance program to help you maintain the deck each year.  With this valuable program you can rest easy by knowing that Henry's Housework will provide your annual deck cleaning with discounted prices on pressure washing Ipe decks.

Ipe decks are becoming more popular in Maryland and many pressure washing companies are struggling to learn how to maintain them.  Ipe deck cleaning is a fairly common services offered by most pressure washing contractors but the material the sealer that's used will drastically change the results.  When you chose to have an Ipe deck installed you may not have been told that it still needs to be maintained regularly.  If just moved into a new home and your not sure if you have an Ipe deck, contact us for a free estimate to ensure the correct methods are used for your lumber.  Deck cleaning done improperly on any of these surfaces can cost thousands of dollars in damages. 

Many home owners have been looking for variety in the construction materials for their decks over the years and they have started using exotic lumbers like Ipe from over seas.  A lot of these new lumbers to the area can provide a beautiful enhancement to their properties but at the same time, make it difficult to find someone qualified to maintain them.  Ipe decks are very dense material that prohibit many sealers from penetrating the surface.  This density protects the lumber but usually requires that the lumber be sealed every 6 months for the first year to allow for maximum penetration into the surface.  If you have a deck built with Ipe, give us a call!  We would be happy to help you keep it's natural beauty for years.

When you hire someone for an Ipe deck cleaning, make sure your contractor has the knowledge and the right equipment for the job. Most deck cleaning companies will use 3,000 psi high pressure water instead of using the proper equipment. That amount of pressure can destroy the surface being cleaned.  Deck cleaning is no longer thought of as a quick and simple job, many deck cleaning companies have realized just how much damage can be caused with a pressure washer.  Henry’s Housework Inc, believes in using the right equipment and PWNA approved methods for deck cleaning and restoration.   To get the best results you have to make an investment in education, equipment and the proper cleaners and sealers.  Our deck cleaning equipment is designed to clean properly while protecting the surface by using the least amount of pressure possible when cleaning Ipe Decks.

Inspection
Restored
Re inspecting
Loose nails
Strip existing stain
Pre-treat surfaces
Lightly power wash deck with under 1,000 PSI.
Nuetrilizing

Ipe deck cleaning in Maryland by Henry's Housework

Ipe Decks

Ready Seal
Ipe wood sample picture
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Henry's Housework has an outstanding record with the BBB!

We use Professional grade pressure washing products from Sun Brite Supply of Maryland!

We are proud members of the PWNA with certifications in wood restoration and environmental cleaning.  Henry Bockman is also a BOD member and President of the Maryland PWNA chapter and PWNA instructor.

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301-216-9675
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MHIC # 65039

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Henry's Housework Inc.  
13433 Tilford Court
Germantown, Maryland 20874
Office:  301-216-9675   Fax:      301-216-9679
Serving Montgomery County and Beyond!