5 Ways To Damage Your Composite Deck
Contents
How To Clean Composite Decking
Choosing the correct cleaner can literally make or break your deck. When buying a cleaning product, always check the label and never use anything labeled as a Chlorine Bleach based “deck cleanerâ€. If the active ingredients include Sodium Hypochlorite, it contains Bleach. Chlorine bleach is very corrosive and will eat into any material it’s applied to. Eventually, it will lead to discoloration of your deck, damage the surface , and can exacerbate any mold/mildew issues that may occur.
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Decking & Railing Duos
We’re going to start with this product which you can buy at WashSafe.com. I then wised up and borrowed this Simpson Pressure Washer from a family member to see how well it would work on my composite deck. I checked with Trex, the manufacturer of my composite decking, to verify if a pressure washer was suitable to use for cleaning purposes before I started.
- Simply scrub the solution into the decking one section at a time and rinse.
- The best part of composites is that, with the exception of food stains, you only have to clean your deck for aesthetic reasons.
- I really like what I read about your products.
- Thurston said the green and brown stains you describe are probably mold and mildew, which come in a variety of colors besides basic black.
- Should I seal the new deck boards with clear Defy Sealer before installed and avoid the past issues of black mildew/algae build up or is it necessary with newer Trex composites?
The Composite Deck Cleaning Process
Remember, if you are going to use a pressure washer it should be no closer than eight inches from the surface and less than 3100 psi. You can perform a semiannual cleaning on your composite deck to preserve its longevity. Pressure washing too close or using too much pressure can ruin your deck. Composite decking material is softer than natural wood, meaning it can be “etched†more easily. Once the material has been opened up, many issues can arise including chipping, sun damage, and mold staining the plastics inside the opening.
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The best part of composites is that, with the exception of food stains, you only have to clean your deck for aesthetic reasons. For wood decks, not cleaning often enough can lead to more costly maintenance. Thurston said the green and brown stains you describe are probably mold and mildew, which come in a variety of colors besides basic black.
Design & Price
Composite decking has become an extremely popular material for outdoor decks. Because your deck is exposed to the elements every day, routine cleaning is needed to keep it looking great. Keep the surface as dry as possible and free of debris by sweeping frequently. Scrub it by hand or with a pressure washer at least twice a year. Address stains as soon as possible, and make sure your deck continues to maintain adequate drainage to prevent mold and mildew from growing. Composite decks on the other hand, offer a lower level of all-around maintenance – they won’t splinter and you don’t need to worry about periodic staining, painting or sealing projects.
What is better Trex or veranda?
Veranda decking is more weather-resistant through and through. Without its composite coating (or if that coating becomes compromised), Trex decking is susceptible to moisture intrusion and mold. Another point in favor of Veranda decking is the ease of repairs.
Many of the composite companies use wood content in them as well. is referring to was the original TREX which was Red Oak which is a hard wood that leaves a dark black tannin. Anyone who has had to clean off oak leaf stains from concrete can attest to that.
What is the most affordable composite decking?
Generally speaking, Trex and Fiberon offer the least expensive options while TimberTech and AZEK come in on the higher end.
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To remove mold from older Trex products, the company recommends using a deck wash that includes detergent and sodium hypochlorite, commonly known as bleach. It specifically recommends Olympic Premium Deck Cleaner ($9.98 per gallon at Home Depot) and Expert Chemical’s Composite Deck Cleaner & Enhancer ($19.98 a gallon at expertchemicalinc.com). The cleaning process will go best if you select the right cleaner to begin with. I hate bleach because it kills plants and vegetation and it’s terrible to work with. It will kill the mildew spores, but doesn’t necessarily remove them from the surface of the wood.
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