Wood plastic composite decking is not the same as timber decking; while it is likely to require considerably less upkeep, it must still be properly cleaned and cared for to survive.
Cleaning your deck on a regular basis will help prevent mold and stains.
Composite decking, also known as wood plastic composite or WPC, is a type of decking built from composite elements such as wood fibers, polymers, and inorganic filler. Although composite decking can be created to look, feel, and smell like wood, it requires quite different cleaning, maintenance, and care. In general, composite decks are significantly easier to maintain than pure timber decks, and one of the most appealing features for many people is that they do not require staining or oiling.
Get rid of dirt
No matter what type of decking you use, you will still acquire common surface grime. Most composite decking manufacturers recommend that you clean your deck on a regular basis with soapy water and a soft-bristled brush to remove any debris, bird droppings, or leaves that may accumulate over time. Others may advise doing the same, but with a cleaning solution designed exclusively for composite decks.
It’s a good idea to clean it on a regular basis, but you don’t have to do it all the time. Long-term contact to organic debris such as leaves, pollen, dirt, and bird droppings can discolor your deck and increase mold growth, making removal much more difficult.
A quick reminder about high-pressure cleaners: while they can be used to quickly and easily clean some products, they are not always recommended. Before using one on your composite deck, read the manufacturer’s care instructions.
Surface stains
Wood composite decking is permeable, therefore staining can be a major concern, as opposed to PVC decking. Removing a stain from composite decking may be more difficult than removing a similar stain from a wooden deck, depending on the treatments used and the cause of the stain. If you spill something on your deck, such as food or alcohol, clean it quickly away with warm soapy water and a brush.
Use soapy water and a brush to remove any spot stains caused by items left on the deck for an extended period of time. If this does not work, the stain has most likely been deeply embedded in the decking pores. If the stain was caused by an oily substance, a degreasing chemical may be effective.
If this does not work, you may need to use a commercial composite deck cleaning solution. The majority of manufacturers and distributors may recommend specific cleaning methods for your deck; a bleach and water solution may work, but it may also lighten your deck. Certain manufacturers may need you to use a specific product in a specific manner in order to maintain your warranty and the appearance of the deck.
Composite decking materials may carry conditional warranties against staining within a set number of years; ask your supplier or installer if you are eligible for a replacement under the warranty terms.
Bending
Composite decking is far more malleable than wood. This is beneficial for production since it simplifies the shape of materials. Unfortunately, due to its pliability, this type of decking is more susceptible to unexpected buckling or bending. The materials’ shape may change as a result of extended exposure to high temperatures, stress, or sunlight.
Preventing rather than treating this risk is the best approach: designers can position their deck away from the sun’s path, or intelligently use roof eaves or other kinds of shade to shield the deck from the sun’s harmful rays.
How To Handle Mildew and Mold
Mold is maybe the most common issue with composite decking. Consumers have previously filed class action lawsuits against decking manufacturers because they were displeased with how quickly mildew grew on their decks. However, as technology progresses, there are ways to remove mold from decking as soon as it appears.
Once again, the greatest treatment is prevention. Mold on your deck can be avoided by keeping it clean on a regular basis, cleaning up spills as soon as they occur, and limiting its exposure to constant wetness.
If mold grows on your deck, ask your supplier what treatments are available to deal with the problem. The majority will recommend a composite deck wash or cleaner of some sort. These usually work best when applied to a dry deck, allowing the mold-killing ingredient to reach the mold’s roots.
Additionally, several sources recommend treating mold using a 50/50 combination of bleach and water. Although bleach is a strong substance that can lighten the color of your deck, it may also help to remove mold. Consult your decking manufacturer before attempting this procedure, and only proceed after testing the combination on a less visible section of your deck to ensure it does not detract from the look.
Delamination of composite decking
Composite decking may occasionally flake and disintegrate due to manufacturing flaws, exposure to high temperatures or UV rays, or extreme or repetitive stress. We term this “delamination.” Delamination is a material defect that impairs the appearance and structural integrity of composite decking. In most cases, delaminating decking must be replaced because it cannot be “fixed.”ld involves regular washing, rinsing, and maintenance.