Composite Decks and How To Clean Them

Deck installation in Victoria can help you get more outdoor enjoyment of your property and also add to your home’s value. There are many different decking materials to choose from. One of the most popular is composite decking. Part of the appeal is that a composite deck is relatively easy to maintain. However, it does require occasional cleaning, and you have to go about it the correct way to avoid damaging your deck.

What Is a Composite Deck?

To understand how to care for a composite deck, it helps to know what it is made of. Composite decking is an alternative to traditional wood decking that has a similar appearance. Rather than being made of planks of wood, composite decking contains recycled wood fibres that are mixed in equal measure with recycled plastic. This is then moulded to resemble wooden planks.

Composite decking has many advantages over traditional wood. It is less susceptible to changes in temperature and humidity, meaning that it is less likely to warp over time. It also lasts a lot longer than a wooden deck and requires less maintenance.

However, “less maintenance” doesn’t need “no maintenance.” You still have to clean and care for your composite deck to get the most out of it.

What Are Some Mistakes To Avoid When Cleaning a Composite Deck?

Keeping your deck clean makes it more attractive and also helps to prevent slipping. Composite decking is a sturdy material, but dirt buildup could compromise its integrity.

While composite decking is durable, it is susceptible to scratching. If the deck becomes scratched, it can allow dirt to collect in the grooves and make it harder to clean. You should avoid any tools for cleaning or maintaining your deck that could scratch it. For example, you should clear snow from your deck with a plastic shovel instead of a metal one and use a soft-bristle brush to scrub the deck when necessary.

The cleaning materials you use on a composite deck can absorb into the porous surface. Some of the harsh chemicals can harm the decking. When choosing a cleaning product, choose one that is safe for the environment and provides a deeper clean with oxygenation. Bleach can be corrosive to the composite material, so avoid any cleaners that use it as an ingredient.

When you clean a composite deck, make sure that you get down into the spaces between the planks rather than just cleaning the surface. That helps to allow air to circulate and prevent mould growth.

How Do You Remove Mould From a Deck?

Fungal growth in the form of mould and mildew can damage your deck to the point of shortening its lifespan. It can also pose health risks to you and your family. You can get rid of mold and mildew by applying a solution of one part water and two parts vinegar directly to the area of growth, either by pouring it out of a bucket or spraying it with a spray bottle.

What Tools Do You Need to Clean a Composite Deck?

Here are the tools you need to complete the different steps in cleaning your deck:

• A broom with which to sweep away any debris
• A power washer or garden hose with which to pre-rinse the deck
• A soft-bristle brush with which to scrub the deck and a bucket to hold the soapy water

If you wish, you can also use an oxalic acid product to brighten the deck. After you have finished scrubbing, you should use the garden hose or a bucket of clean water to perform a final rinse.

Turn to Handyman Connection for Deck Repair Services in Victoria

Our technicians can assist you with maintenance of your composite deck. For example, we can help you with the power washing to remove debris. Find out more about all the deck services we offer.