Composite decking is one of the most popular choices for outdoor spaces due to its durability and low maintenance compared to traditional wooden decking. Composite decking is designed to resist bad weather, rotting and insect damage unlike wooden decking, this makes it a brilliant long term investment for your home. Read on to find out the top 5 tips for maintaining your composite decking.
1. Regular Cleaning To Prevent Any Buildup
It is very important to preserve composite decking, the best way to do this is to carry out regular cleaning on your decking. You can do this by carrying out a weekly sweep and using a broom or leaf blower to get rid of leaves and other unwanted debris. Another way to stay on top of your composite decking upkeep is to do a monthly wash with a mixture of warm water and soap using a soft brush to remove any surface dirt, always brush towards the grain to avoid damaging the composite decking. It is important to avoid power washing your decking due to the high pressure water as it can damage the surface of your composite decking, instead use a garden hose.
2. Remove Stains Immediately
Composite decking is known for its exceptional resistance to staining. However, accidents still happen from time to time, especially involving food and drinks during social get-togethers. Even though composite decking is less prone to staining than traditional wooden decking it is important to prevent permanent marks.
To do this you need to make sure you wipe away stains quickly, use a cloth or paper towel and the quicker you attend to the spill the less likely it will leave a permanent mark on your composite decking. For more stubborn stains you should use a cleaner specifically designed for your composite decking. Your manufacturer should have instructions for this, follow them carefully.
Always test your composite decking before using harsh cleaners on a small, hidden area of the decking. Generally, it is advised to steer clear from bleach and harsh chemicals when it comes to composite decking.
3. Prevent Scratches & Scuffs
The best way to prevent scratches and marks on your composite decking is to use furniture pads, if you place protective pads under furniture to prevent scratching when tables and chairs are moved you can minimise damage to your composite decking. On the back of this, it is important to take care of your composite decking so try avoiding dragging heavy items on your decking and always lift furniture and objects rather than dragging them along your decking.
4. Control Mould Growth
While composite decking is better designed and equipped to resist moisture than traditional wooden decking, it’s not completely immune to mould, especially during the winter months. If your composite decking is in a shaded area it is more likely to develop mould or mildew over time.
Luckily there are things you can do to prevent mould on your composite decking, if you make sure your decking has proper drainage and that water does not pool on the surface of your decking after it rains it will reduce the chances of mould massively.
Consistency is key with anything in life but this also applies to composite decking upkeep, if you regularly remove leaves and dirt from your composite decking then you are preventing things from trapping moisture and encouraging mould growth. In some cases, you can use a cleaner specifically tailored to mould cleaning, make sure to rub gently and rise properly.
5. Repair Any Damage Promptly
Regular inspections of your composite decking can massively help you catch small problems before they become bigger issues. The main thing to look for on composite decking are loose or damaged screws or deck fasteners as they could lead to structural problems on your decking. You should also look out for fading or cracking which usually comes off the back of rare and extreme weather conditions. Regular checks on your composite decking will help you keep the structural integrity of your decking intact in the long term.
Conclusion
If you follow the five tips above you should be able to maintain your composite decking in good condition throughout the year and even during the cold winter months. Regular cleaning, preventing scratches, and promptly dealing with any stains or damage are all key to preserving the long-term appearance and functionality of your deck.
