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Tips for Composite Decking Care Redirect Downspouts. Don’t let rainwater runoff from your roof splash down on your composite decking. Ventilate the Underside of your Deck. Minimize Mulch. Use Woven Rugs. Unclog Gaps in Boards. Sweep Often. Remove Dirt and Salt. Scrub Grease.
What kind of maintenance does composite decking require?
Like the rest of your exterior home and yard, your Trex deck is exposed to the elements. Dirt, debris, and mold can build up over time, requiring annual or semiannual cleaning with either a composite deck cleaner or soapy water made with dish soap.
How do you care for composite decking?
For a general clean – we recommend applying warm soapy water to the surface of the boards and cleaning with a soft bristled brush. For a deeper clean – you can opt for using a jet wash with no greater than 3100 PSI to clear surface debris from your deck.
What is the best way to clean composite decking?
Spray deck with soap, then follow by gently scrubbing each deck board with a soft bristle brush. Spray/rinse each individual deck board using a fan tip no closer than 8-in (203 mm) from the decking surface. RINSE THOROUGHLY. If dirty water from cleaning is left to dry, a film will remain on the decking surface.
How long do Composite decks last?
Composite decking requires minimal upkeep and can last between 25 and 30 years. On average, plastic decking has a similar lifespan to composite decking and can last nearly 30 years.
Can you power wash composite decking?
PRESSURE WASHING YOUR COMPOSITE DECKING Pressure washing is not usually recommended for composite decking. Pressure washing too close or using too much pressure can be ruinous for your deck. Composite decking material is softer than natural wood and therefore can be “etched” more easily.
What are the disadvantages of composite decking?
Cons of Composite Decking A pricey alternative to wood. Durability comes at a cost, as composite decking is more expensive than wood. Composites aren’t natural. Composite decks aren’t completely maintenance free. You’ll need to comparison shop.
Is composite decking easy to maintain?
Composite decking is an attractive, practical, and long-lasting addition to just about any garden. However, keeping it attractive and making sure it’s as long-lasting as it can be will require a little bit of maintenance now and again. This does not have to be difficult or hard work.
Why is my composite deck turning white?
Probably the first thing a homeowner will notice is white spots on the deck. These are exposed wood particles bleached by the sun and rain. This is a sure sign that the deck’s seal has been damaged.
How do you brighten a composite deck?
You can use a non-abrasive method of washing your patio. It will remove some of the dirt and oxidation and will brighten up your deck. Use oil-based wood stain. Depending on the material that you used, it may be possible to use an oil-based wood stain.
Can you use Dawn to clean composite decking?
Spray the deck with a hose to remove surface dirt and debris. Clean the deck with a soft-bristle brush and warm, soapy water. (Trex doesn’t specify a brand of soap, so a dish soap such as Dawn is a good choice.) The brush will ensure you’ll get any dirt in the embossed pattern.
Can you clean a composite deck with vinegar?
For a composite deck: Combine a half-cup of white vinegar or apple cider vinegar to ¼ a cup of baking soda with 1 gallon of water. Swab this mixture on the entire deck and rinse well with clean water. Avoid homemade deck cleaners or brighteners when using a pressure washer or power washer.
How do I keep my decking from rotting?
15 ways to prevent deck joist rot Ventilation Dries Deck Joist Extending their Life. Seal the Joist with a Water Repellant Sealer. Allow Water to Escape Helps Preserve Deck Joist. Overhang your decking, direct water away from the joist. Slope Joist. Flash the ledger and beam. Remove Protruding Post Railing.
Is a composite deck worth the money?
There is no doubt that composite decking material is more expensive than wood. However, it is valued for its striking resemblance to natural wood and efficiency making it an excellent choice for decking. It is easier to clean and maintain which makes it last long enough to transfer the same value to the next homeowner.
Can you put a gas grill on a composite deck?
Yes, Gas grills are safe to use on a composite deck. Composite decking is designed to a minimum of Class C fire rating similar to wood decking. As an extra layer of protection, people will often place a grill mat or pad to protect the decking from both heat and spills.
How do you get green algae off a composite deck?
I suggest a second treatment using warm, soapy water and a soft-bristle brush. You can also try using a pressure washer set at a maximum of 3,100 pounds per square inch. Make sure you use a fan attachment to avoid scarring the decking. TIP: when using a pressure washer, do sections or one board at a time.
How do you clean algae off a composite deck?
Mix 30 SECONDS Outdoor Cleaner using 1 part water to 1 part concentrate in a tank sprayer. Apply mixture to dry deck and saturate the deck thoroughly. Gently sweep the deck to clean inside any grooves and let the cleaner work. Once the deck looks visually clean, rinse with a hose.
How do I keep mold off my composite deck?
After cleaning a wood deck, the surface should be recoated with a protective deck stain. Composite decks can also be protected with the proper sealer. To prevent mold from reoccurring you can use a product called Wet and Forget. This product can prevent mold, mildew, lichen, and algae from appearing.
Is composite decking slippery when wet?
Composite decks are not slippery even when there is water on the surface. The problem, however, is when there is an accumulation of both ice and water on your composite decking. Aside from being the cause of accidents, ice, and the removal of it, can cause some damage to your patio.
Do composite decks get moldy?
Composite decking is a man-made synthetic mixture of ‘wood flour’ and plastics which are highly susceptible to mold. The finely ground ‘wood flour’ become a veritable Petri dish for mold. Mold gets into the crevices of composite decking and clings to the fine wood particles and has a very difficult time getting out.
Does composite decking deteriorate?
Traditional wood decks have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years. Because composite decking is weather, insect, and rot resistant, making it last for 25 to 30 years or longer.
