When it comes to Indiana deck cleaning and staining there is sometimes some confusion between a deck sealer and a deck stain. Basically a deck sealer is a clear waterproof coating that protects the deck from water and moisture. However, a deck sealer will not protect against UV rays. UV rays cause damage turning the deck gray. Anytime you see a grayed out neglected deck you are looking at UV damage and discoloring. Deck sealers lack any pigment and therefore cannot provide sun protection.
As far as deck stains, these are basically sealers with color pigment added to them. A deck stain can be transparent, semi-transparent, semi-solid, or solid. They are not clear like a deck sealer. All deck stains have some pigment in them. The amount of pigment will determine the opacity level of the stain. Deck stains protect against water and moisture like a clear sealer but in addition they also protect against harmful UV damage and graying. The pigments in the deck stain reflect UV rays and help reduce graying, fading, and discoloring.
Deck stains are the best way to go if water and UV protection are desired. Due to the color tone in some deck stains like a semi-transparent for example that would still allow the wood grain to show through, will actually enhance the natural beauty of the wood. Oil-based, semi-transparent deck stains are the most popular means of protecting a deck among wood and deck professionals. Oil-based, semi-transparent deck stains provide excellent weather protection against UV rays and water, best enhance the natural beauty of the wood grain, and are most easily maintained. Most of these types of deck stains only require a light cleaning and a re-coat every couple of years to keep the wood looking good.
To sum up, sealers are clear and do not have pigment to provide UV protection so they only give you protection from water and moisture. Deck stains are basically sealers with added color tone and they provide both water and UV protection. This keeps the wood from graying like it would if it only had a clear sealer on it. Oil-based, semi-transparent deck stains are the most popular because of enhanced appearance, excellent protection, and maintainability. Be sure the Indiana deck cleaning company you hire is using a deck stain and not just a clear deck sealer or the wood will gray in a year or less. Try to stay away from water-based or acrylic stains as they end up peeling and flaking when they fail meaning they have to be completely stripped away when it is time for a re-coat.