Mould and algae can grow on anything that is left outside all year. Especially if the object is stored outdoors and will absorb moisture. The vast majority of goods containing natural components absorb water.
Mould, on the other hand, is a development that is easily eradicated and can even be avoided. mould can cause rot and deterioration in your decking, resulting in potentially dangerous structural issues if not addressed.
This article will discuss the causes of mould growth as well as the best techniques to prevent it.
Concerning mould on Decking
Why do decks develop mould and mildew?
mould and mildew can grow on uncapped decking planks in the same way as timber or wood decking does. mould and mildew are examples of fungi, plants that lack leaves, flowers, or stems. Under the right conditions, these naturally occurring spores multiply.
They thrive in warm water and humid air. mould will not form on a surface unless it has been wet for more than 24 hours.
Mould is common on composite decking. It should only happen on uncapped boards, though, because they lack any further precautions to ensure the board’s inside is watertight. Because of the additional layers of protection that shield the boards’ natural wood components, capped composite decking boards should be less prone to mould growth.
How does mould grow on decking?
A deck board is an ideal environment for mould growth. mould will grow on your deck if the appropriate conditions exist, which are warm and humid.
Mould will grow on anything stored outdoors, exposed to the elements, and in a damp environment. mould will grow on a composite deck surface that is not appropriately protected, i.e. if it is not capped and is left in the water for an extended period of time.
Mould development on decking, composite (uncapped), or lumber occurs when the criteria described above are met. mould will eat away at your decking, creating more serious and costly damage such as decay and stability issues.
Mould resistance by kind of deck (wood or composite)
Mould grows naturally in the environment, thus most deck boards are somewhat vulnerable. However, some deck types will be more prone to mildew and mould than others.
Untreated, treated, hardwood, and softwood decking boards have a higher likelihood of developing fungal spores than composite, PVC, or aluminum decking boards. Timber decking boards, with their all-natural core and wood fibers, are ideal for mould growth.
Untreated decking is the weakest form of deck board in terms of mould resistance. The wood fibers on the deck surface are not protected from additional water absorption, mildew development, or mould growth.
Wood decking that has been pressure treated is less durable. Although treated timber decking planks provide some protection against mould growth, mould and mildew can still develop under the correct conditions. Fungi flourish in the fibers of natural wood.
Resistant Uncapped Composite Decking In contrast, composite decking boards contain fewer natural components and absorb less water. Boards without caps are not protected. As a result, mould may grow and moisture can leak through the boards.
Composite Decking Capped with medium resistance. The core of capped composite decking boards contains less natural fibers and has a low absorption rate. Capped composite boards are less likely to grow mould because moisture cannot enter them.
High Resistance PVC Decking Boards: PVC decking boards are constructed with a PVC core covered in an industry standard ASA resin. PVC decking has a low absorption rate since it includes no wood, reducing the amount of moisture that collects in the boards and promoting mould growth.
Cleaning and removing mildew and mould from decking
How to get rid of the composite decking mould
Because some materials used in boards should not be treated with specific chemicals or cleaning solutions, it is always recommended to ask your decking provider about the best way to eliminate mould from the boards. mould stains on your tastefully placed deck can be bothersome; they also make the deck appear filthy and worn out.
Composite decking is commonly used due to its low maintenance needs. mould may be eliminated fast and effectively by addressing the root cause. To clean composite decking, apply Composite Deck Cleaner or warm water and dish soap.
Step 1: Remove any plants and furniture lighting from your deck. Then, clean any dirt and debris with a brush (which may have soft or stiff bristles).
Step 2: If you’re not using decking cleaner, prepare a pail of warm, soapy water. Add a small amount of mild dishwasher detergent to that.
Step 3: Lightly coat your deck with deck cleanser or soap water. Then, using a firm bristle brush, scrub the deck gently. This should help to remove any dirt or stains on the surface. Scrub the deck thoroughly to remove any mould, stains, and filth.
Step 4: Allow the deck cleanser or soap water to sit on the deck so that the cleaning ingredients may permeate into it and remove any stubborn stains or filth.
Step 5: Rinse the solution thoroughly and let it air dry. After drying, return your potted plants and garden furniture to their proper positions.
Step 6: To reduce discolouration, repeat steps 1–5 as needed.
Can composite decking be pressure-washed?
It is not recommended to use a pressure washer on composite decking. If you have mould on your deck, pressure cleaning may exacerbate the situation. Because composite decking boards are typically softer than traditional timber decking, using a power washer on them may result in damage or discolouration.
To avoid damage, use a pressure washer on composite decking at a lower pressure and keep the hose’s end 12 inches from the deck’s surface.
Methods for Removing mould from Wood Decking
mould removal from a timber deck is a constant process. Compared to composite decking, timber decking requires more regular maintenance. Include regular painting, sanding, staining, and varnishing. In contrast, composite decking does not require regular maintenance. Regular deck cleaning and upkeep are recommended to keep trash, mould, and mildew from accumulating.
Applying a chlorine bleach solution to your timber decking boards may cause extra harm.
Step 1: Clear your deck of any pots, furniture, and lighting. Next, use a brush with either soft or firm bristles to remove any dirt and debris. This makes it easier to clean grease, grime, and stains off the deck.
Step 2: Spray the decking with water to remove any remaining dirt and debris before applying the cleaning solution to the deck’s surface. This method allows for easier cleaning of the boards.
Step 3: Mix your cleaning solution with a solution of oxygen bleach and warm water. If you’re using your preferred timber decking cleaner, follow the manufacturer’s instructions. You can also clean your deck with soapy water.
Step 4: Apply a thin layer of deck cleanser, bleach solution, or soapy water on the deck. Then, using a hard-bristled brush, clean the deck gently. This should start to remove dirt and stains from the deck’s materials. Scrub the deck thoroughly to remove any mould, stains, and filth. It may be important to clean certain areas of your deck more than others.
Step 5: Allow the deck cleanser, soapy water, or bleach solution mixture to sit on the deck so that the cleaning chemicals may absorb into it and remove any difficult stains or grime. Prior to washing the deck.
Step 6: Rinse the solution thoroughly, making sure the deck is free of bleach, and allow it to air dry. After drying, return your potted plants and garden furniture to their proper positions. Make sure no cleaning solution remains on the deck.
Step 7: To reduce staining, repeat steps 1–6 as needed.
Can wood decking be pressure-washed?
A power washer can effectively clean a wooden deck on a regular basis. The hose can readily wipe away dirt, mould, and stains by focusing on certain locations. On the other side, inappropriate use of the power washer hose may cause the spray to damage the deck’s surface. If you use too much pressure to your hose, your deck planks may become stained.
Suggested items
Today’s market has a diverse range of decking cleaning products that differ in terms of price, features, and quality. It is recommended that you use the cleaning product suggested by your decking supplier.
Methods for Avoiding mould on Decking
Mould growth is a possibility on your deck, as it is on everything else that is left outside. A composite deck is less likely to grow mould than timber decking. mould was more likely to grow on any exposed natural decking components. Thus, a PVC or Capped Composite deck with few natural components will be the most mold-resistant.
Your deck may remain dirt-free with regular deck cleaning and a spray of a warm water and cleaning agent solution. mould, on the other hand, will grow on a warm and moist area of your deck, providing nutrition for the fungi.
The easiest way to prevent mould from spreading on your outdoor deck is to keep the composite, timber, or PVC decks as clean as possible.
Frequent deck cleaning can improve the beauty and endurance of your composite or wood decking while also addressing mould issues.
In conclusion
Immaculate, mould-free. Decking spaces are a terrific addition to any property since they allow for outside dining, mingling, and relaxation.
Maintaining a long-lasting composite deck free of mould involves regular washing, rinsing, and maintenance.