Deck, Fence & Patio Cleaning in Summerville, SC
Careful, low-pressure cleaning that clears mildew and algae off wood decks, fences and paver patios without chewing up the surface.
What deck, fence, and patio cleaning covers
Your deck, fence, and patio are where you actually spend time outside, and they take a beating from Lowcountry sun, rain, and shade. I clean wood and composite decks, wood privacy fences, vinyl and aluminum fencing, paver and concrete patios, porch railings, and the steps in between. I clear mildew, algae, the green film, pollen buildup, and general grime so the space is clean to look at and safe to walk on.
If the patio connects to the rest of your concrete, it often makes sense to handle the driveway and walkways in the same visit so everything matches.
How I do it
The rule with wood is simple. Low pressure, every time. Wood fibers are soft, and high pressure tears them up. It gouges the boards and raises a furry, splintered grain that looks worse than the dirt you started with. So on decks and wood fences I keep the pressure low and let a cleaning solution do the heavy lifting on the mildew and algae. The solution kills the growth. A gentle rinse carries it off.
My process starts with a walk-around so I can see the condition of the wood and find the soft, weathered spots. I pre-wet nearby plants and keep solution off them. I apply the cleaning solution, let it dwell, then rinse at low pressure, working with the grain. For vinyl, composite, and aluminum, I use the same gentle approach. Those materials do not absorb water, so they clean up fast and come back looking close to new.
Cleaning before stain or seal
If you are planning to re-stain or re-seal a deck or fence, clean it first. New stain and sealer only bond to clean, sound wood. Washing off the old mildew and grime gives the coating something to grab so it lasts. Just give the wood a few days to dry fully before any product goes down.
Why this matters in the Lowcountry
Here is the math that wrecks decks around here. Wood, plus heavy shade, plus close to fifty inches of rain a year, equals constant mildew and algae. We stay humid and warm most of the year, so wood rarely gets a chance to dry out. Shaded boards and the north side green up first and stay slick the longest.
Coastal decks have an extra factor. Homes near the water and the marsh collect a salt film, and in spring everything gets buried under pollen. Both settle into the grain and the joints. If you are out in Mount Pleasant or on Johns or James Island, staying ahead of salt and pollen keeps the wood cleaner between full washes. None of this means your deck is failing. It means the climate is hard on outdoor wood, and regular cleaning is how you keep it sound.
What affects the scope
I look at the square footage, the material, and the condition. A small vinyl fence is quick. A big multi-level wood deck with heavy mildew and delicate, weathered boards takes more care and more time. Shade, the amount of growth, and whether you want it cleaned ahead of staining all factor in. I will look at it with you and give you an honest price.
Get on my schedule
I am Kenny, I own Blue Tiger, and I clean every deck and fence myself with the care soft wood needs. If your deck is green, slick, or graying out, call or text me at 843-530-0702 and tell me about it. You can also reach me on the contact page. I will take a look and get your outdoor space ready to use again.
Frequently asked questions
Do you adjust the pressure for older wood decks?
Always. Wood is soft, and older or weathered wood is softer still, so high pressure will gouge it and raise a fuzzy, splintered grain called furring. I use low pressure on wood and lean on the cleaning solution to do the work. On a fragile deck I back the pressure down even further and take my time. The point is to clean the wood, not carve it.
Can you clean a vinyl or composite fence?
Yes. Vinyl and composite handle a soft wash really well, and they come back looking close to new once the mildew and green film are gone. These materials do not soak up water the way wood does, so the cleaning solution and a gentle rinse clear them up nicely. Wood, vinyl, composite, or aluminum, I match the method to what you have.
Should I clean my deck before staining or sealing it?
Yes, cleaning first is the right move. Stain and sealer bond to clean, sound wood, not to a layer of mildew, algae, and old grime. Washing the deck strips that buildup so a fresh coat can actually grab and last. If you are planning to stain or seal, time the cleaning a few days ahead so the wood has time to dry out fully first.
Why does my deck get so slick and green here?
Wood, shade, and close to fifty inches of rain a year add up to mildew and algae, and that growth is what makes a deck slippery. The north side and any spot under tree cover stay damp the longest, so they green up first. It is extremely common in the Lowcountry and it is not a sign your wood is rotting. A good cleaning clears the growth and the slickness with it.
Can you get the pollen and salt off a screened porch or patio?
Yes. Spring pollen coats everything here, and homes nearer the water also pick up a salt film, and both settle into decks, railings, and patio pavers. A gentle wash rinses pollen and salt away along with the mildew. If you are out toward Mount Pleasant or the islands, the salt is worth staying ahead of because it keeps coming back.
Ready to make it look new?
Call or text Kenny for a fast, no-pressure quote. He does every job himself.