5 Ways to Properly Maintain Composite Decks

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Composite decking is a trendy choice for many households in Caloundra. With its durability, low upkeep, and aesthetic appeal, many homeowners are switching to this eco-friendly alternative. Since composite decks are usually manufactured from a mixture of plastic and recycled wood fibres, you can achieve the strength and longevity you require while helping the environment.

At Caloundra Landscaping, we help our clients find the best materials and solutions to help them attain their dream landscaping. That is why we recommend composite decking for people who wish to have a stunning outdoor living space without worrying about regular upkeep. However, even if this type of deck does not need a lot of effort for maintenance, it is still crucial to know how to properly take care of it. Doing so will make your deck looking good as new for the years to come. With that in mind, our team will share with you quick and easy ways to properly maintain your composite deck.

Clean the Surface Thoroughly

Cleaning composite decks is an easy task because you just have to use everyday household items. Grab a bottle of dish soap, nylon broom, or a brush with medium stiffness and a bucket of warm water. Before you start with the cleaning, make sure that there are no décors, furniture, or fixtures that may get in the way.

Sweep the deck’s surface with a broom to get rid of any loose debris, dirt, and leaves. After that, cleanse the surface with warm water. Mix the dish soap with warm water in the bucket. Once the solution is ready, grab your brush and dunk it in the bucket filled with soapy water. Scrub the deck’s surface using good pressure to thoroughly clean the grooves of the surface and get rid of the dirt and grime. When you are done, rinse the floor and wait for it to dry.

Avoid Standing Water

Although composite decks are designed to withstand water and rot, it is still best to minimize standing water like puddles and spills. Mould and mildew can accumulate in your deck if there is standing water on its surface. Immediately clean any spills or puddles to make sure that you can avoid mould and mildew and keep your deck’s surface look good as new. You can also try improving the drainage and redirecting downspouts, extensions, or splash guards near your decks to eliminate standing water.

Dryer Vents Should Not Open Near Your Deck

If you have dryer vents at home, it might be best to note where the ventilated heat was coming off outside your house. It should not open near your deck because the ventilated heat can raise the temperature of your composite deck and trigger organic decay. Since dryer vents can also spew out moist air, they promote mould and mildew buildup in your deck.

Quickly Clean Oil and Grease Stain

Whether you have a portable grill or outdoor kitchen in your deck, it is essential to keep the oil and grease from your deck’s floor. Oil and grease should be quickly cleaned because they can potentially lead to permanent staining. You can remove them using the soap and water method we discussed above. However, if the stain is left for too long, you can try using some recommended cleaning products to get rid of it.

Be Careful When Power-Washing Composite Decks

Many manufacturers do not always recommend power washing because it can damage the deck’s surface if not done correctly. However, if there are stubborn stains that you can’t remove using simple scrubbing, you can try power-washing your deck. Check the amount of pressure that your deck can take. This is to ensure that the pressure washer is not concentrated enough to damage or leave small cuts on your deck.