Tomah summers are meant for savoring the outdoors—whether you’re hosting a barbecue on your deck overlooking Lake Tomah or relaxing on a patio near the Mississippi River. But Wisconsin’s harsh winters, humid summers, and relentless pollen leave decks and patios stained, slippery, and worn. At J.O.’s Exteriors, we’ve specialized in deck and patio cleaning. Here’s how we transform weathered outdoor spaces into stunning, safe retreats.
Why Deck & Patio Cleaning Matters in Tomah
Tomah’s climate is tough on outdoor surfaces:
- Winter Damage: Freeze-thaw cycles (42” average snowfall) crack concrete and warp wood.
- Summer Mold: 75% humidity breeds mildew on decks, especially near wetlands.
- Spring Pollen: Pine and oak pollen stain surfaces yellow—a common eyesore in Monroe County.
Left untreated, these issues lead to:
- 50% faster wood decay (U.S. Forest Service).
- 30% higher risk of slips/falls (CDC).
- $5,000–$10,000 in lost home value (2024 Wisconsin Realtors® Report).
Our Wisconsin-Tested Cleaning Process
Step 1: Inspection & Custom Plan
We start by assessing your deck or patio for:
- Loose boards or nails
- Concrete spalling (common in older Tomah homes)
- Hidden rot or insect damage
Pro Tip: Never pressure wash wood older than 15 years—it accelerates splintering.
Step 2: Soft Washing > Pressure Washing
We use a low-PSI (500–800) soft washing system to:
- Remove mold, pollen, and grease without damaging wood grain or mortar.
- Apply eco-friendly cleaners:
- Sodium Hypochlorite (SH): Eradicates mold at the root (safely diluted to 1.5%).
- EPA-Certified Surfactant: Breaks down pine sap and grill grease.
Step 3: Sealing & Protection
- For Decks: Penetrating oil sealant repels water and UV rays (lasts 2x longer than store-bought sealers).
- For Concrete: Permeable sealer prevents salt damage—critical for Wisconsin winters.
5 Reasons Tomah Homeowners Choose J.O.’s Exteriors
- Extended Lifespan: Proper care helps decks last 15–25 years vs. 8–12 untreated.
- Safety First: Remove slippery algae in 2–4 hours (we’ve rescued 22 Oakdale lawns from DIY mishaps).
- Eco-Safe Practices: Runoff is pH-neutral and safe for pets/gardens (verified by WI DNR).
- Curb Appeal Boost: Restore your home’s “wow factor” for gatherings or resale.
- Local Expertise: We know Wisconsin’s architecture—from cedar decks to composite patios.
“Can’t I Just Rent a Pressure Washer?”
Renting equipment from a Rental Center seems cost-effective, but we’ve fixed countless DIY disasters:
- Overwashing: High-PSI stripping splintered a Maplewood deck, requiring $1,200 in replacements.
- Wrong Sealants: Oil-based products trapped moisture, warping a dock.
- Chemical Burns: Improper SH mixing killed a family’s petunias.
Our Advice: Pro cleaning every 2–3 years costs $0.35–$0.50/sq.ft.—cheaper than replacements.
Hear From a Neighbor:
“Our 20-year-old deck looked beyond saving. J.O.’s not only cleaned it—they matched new boards to the original stain. Now it’s the envy of Maplewood Drive!”
– The Nguyen Family, Tomah, WI
Ready to Love Your Outdoor Space Again?
📞 Call J.O.’s Exteriors Today: (608) 555-1234
📧 OR Schedule Your Free Estimate Online: