Effective tips for composite decking maintenance
Composite decking is well known for its durability, toughness and an eye-catching look. A modern alternative to wood, composites are manufactured using wood fiber and recycled plastic. Although they are known for hassle-free maintenance, composites do require minimum upkeep. If not, a minor problem can escalate into a much larger issue.
Here are a few tips to maintain the beauty of your deck:
- Remove soil and debris
For popular composites such as Trex composite decking , a basic cleaning once a year with composite deck cleaner or soap, hot water, and a simple brush is enough to maintain its beauty.
The best way to do this is to spray the surface area with a hose and clean it with warm soapy water, using a brush.
- Use pressure washers
Pressure washers are highly useful when it comes to cleaning Trex composite decking . Keep the fan tip of the blade within 1300 PSI and always maintain 8-10 inches distance from the surface while using it.
- Use a broom
To remove tannins, first , clean the deck floor with a broom to remove all debris. Then use a deck brightener on the deck surface as directed by the manufacturer. Deck brighteners contain oxalic acid that helps in removing tannins.
- Use a shovel
Ice and snow may damage your deck. Therefore, it is important to remove them regularly. Prefer plastic shovel to metal ones as it may damage the surface of Trex composite decking . In addition, calcium chloride can be used to melt the ice from the surface.
- Remove oil/food spills
Food spills, if kept for long, may leave stains that are difficult to remove. Therefore, these must be cleaned immediately. Use soap water to clean the surface and a brush to remove spills.
- Remove molds
If pollen and soil remain on the surface for long, chances of mold form become high. One can use a combination of soapy water and brush to remove it. There are also many products available in the market to clean molds.
All outdoor building materials require minimum maintenance, and composite decking is no exception. The best time to clean Trex composite decking is immediately after installation and continue on a year-to-year basis for it to last for long.
Disclaimer:
The content provided on our blog site traverses numerous categories, offering readers valuable and practical information. Readers can use the editorial team’s research and data to gain more insights into their topics of interest. However, they are requested not to treat the articles as conclusive. The website team cannot be held responsible for differences in data or inaccuracies found across other platforms. Please also note that the site might also miss out on various schemes and offers available that the readers may find more beneficial than the ones we cover.
