Care For Composite Decking

It's the door to your home that catches the eye of everyone who walks through it. Here you can create lasting memories with your loved ones by enjoying the sun and laughing together. That's why it's so important that she's always in top form!

 But it's not just a matter of looks; There is much more at stake!Your patio is a magical place where you can escape the constraints of your inner life. Here you can connect with nature, enjoy nature and spend great hours with your favorite people. Whether you're grilling, playing games, or just enjoying a quiet evening, your patio is the perfect stage for your outdoor adventures.

 Imagine sipping your favorite drink on a hot summer day, surrounded by friends and family, on a patio that is not only beautiful but also safe and durable. Don't worry about wobbly railings or squeaky floorboards! 

The first step in giving your patio the right look is choosing the right material. Composite decking is the best option for obvious reasons. So you need to follow a functional maintenance method. In this article, you will learn the best way to care for a composite deck.

How does composite decking work?

Composite decks are decking or flooring that requires the use of composite materials. Composites are solutions made from a mixture of wood fibers, recyclable plastics and various binders. The result of this mixture is called composite wood and is one of the best materials for indoor and outdoor decking. The excellent art of this material also makes it a superb design medium and it is no surprise that it is used as a patio cover in many modern homes.

The Benefits and Drawbacks of Composite Decking

Composite panels are quickly becoming the most popular type of outdoor decking due to their great benefits. But before you jump on the bandwagon, let's weigh the pros and cons of this deck. 

Here are the main advantages and disadvantages of composite panels.

 advantages 

They are available in different colors, so you can easily create unique outdoor extension projects. They require much less maintenance than traditional decking. Promotes recycling as recycled plastic is used in the manufacturing process. composites are strong, which makes the deck more durable.

 Disadvantages 

The main disadvantage of composite panels is that they are unnatural and generally cost more than traditional wood panels.

Tips for Maintaining Composite Decking

Composite decking is probably the most durable type of outdoor decking. However, this material may still require special care to maintain its fantastic finish.

 Here are some tips for maintaining composite decking.

 Remove food debris instantly: Modern composite decking is resistant to mold, which means it is not conducive to mold growth. However, when outside elements like leftover food are left lying around, they provide a platform for mold and mildew to survive.

 Avoidance of Tannins: Tannins are formed when organic materials penetrate between bonded panels, causing water to pool underneath. To reduce the risk of this condition, you can use a soft broom to sweep away these organic materials.

 Avoid Fire Exposure: Composite decking can look quite menacing but does not withstand fire very well. They retain heat and exposure to a heat source can damage the finish. That's why you may want to remove grills and fire pits from your patio.

 Be careful when clearing snow: in winter snow can accumulate on the terrace, but it must be removed quickly to avoid the associated damage. Avoid shoveling snow off the deck with sharp metal objects such as shovels, rakes, pickaxes and ice picks as these can scratch the surface.

 Avoid Harsh Detergents: Many homeowners often make the mistake of using detergent or other harsh detergents on their decks, and the results are often not very positive. To protect your composite decking, you may need to use the mildest cleaning products that will not damage the decking surface.

Cleaners that work well for composite decking 

The wrong cleaner can drastically affect the quality and beauty of your composite decking. It's safer not to clean composite decking than using the wrong cleaner. For this reason, most composite decking boards often come with manufacturer's instructions for using the best cleaning products.

 Here are some cleaners that are approved for use on composite decks:

 Aqualis Composite Bright Deck Cleaner: This water-based combination conditioner and brightener has been specially developed for composite decks. Not only does it remove dirt, it is also very effective at removing tree sap, grease, food residue and oil splatter.You can rest assured that the quality of your deck will not be compromised in any way. Deck-Protect Composite Cleaner: Suitable for all decks, this composite cleaner has a deep penetrating formula you can trust on all types of stains. The low-concentration wood composite hardener also provides additional care for the decking and makes it more durable. In addition, this cleaner is easy to use and can be applied with a hose clamp or a soft brush.

 Monarch Sugar Soap: This is another great cleaner for all composite decking.It is very effective and reliably removes all types of dirt. Its high concentration is ideal for stubborn stains, but it may need to be diluted for routine cleaning. However, the most notable feature of this cleaner is its ability to detect and fight mold.

 Warm Soapy Water: Ready-to-use cleaning products are great for composite decking, but they're not the only solution. If you're looking for a less expensive way to clean your patio, a mixture of dish soap and warm water is an equally effective and inexpensive solution.It can also help remove drink stains and mold - no need to worry about side effects on your composite decking.

Avoid these Common Cleaning Mistakes for Composite Decking 

While the right cleaner can do wonders when it comes to maintaining composite decking, the wrong cleaner can cause significant damage. It would therefore be a mistake if you used detergents carelessly.

 Here are some other common mistakes to avoid when cleaning composite decking:

 Not paying attention to the gaps between the planks can be costly as it encourages mold growth. Pressure washing may not be the best approach for composite decking and it would be a huge mistake to attempt it without professional supervision. The use of hard tools or materials other than those intended for the work is also a common mistake that must be avoided.

Conclusion 

Composite decks are the most common option for both indoor and outdoor decks, which underscores their unique advantages. However, keep in mind that composite decking needs careful maintenance to reach its full potential, as outlined in this article.