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Care & Maintenance
CleverDeck Xtreme®
Care & Cleaning Recommendations
CleverDeck Xtreme composite decking is virtually maintenance free, needing only periodic cleaning to keep it looking great however under adverse conditions it can scratch so please read the following notes.
General Cleaning:
Don’t forget to give your new CleverDeck Xtreme deck a thorough cleaning after it has been installed to remove any manufacturing lubricants/surfactants and the dirt and grime associated with the initial building and installation of the deck.
Like any floor in your home CleverDeck Xtreme composite decking looks best when it is kept clean. Cleaning with a broom or mop should be undertaken regularly. The frequency of cleaning should be based on the amount of organic debris that ends up on your deck via overhanging or nearby vegetation as well as airborne dust, general dirt and grime that builds up from regular foot traffic.
The hard polymer surface of the CleverDeck Xtreme decking makes cleaning very easy, like cleaning a vinyl floor.
Futurewood recommends using the specially formulated “Futurewood Composite Timber Cleaner” as a general cleaning product for your deck. The deck should be washed a minimum of 4 times per year and more often if the deck gets particularly dirty.
The deck wash can be mixed to a 10 to 1 strength for regular cleaning of CleverDeck Xtreme decking (refer to the cleaner label for instructions). You can call Futurewood on 1300 484 308 or email info@futurewood.com.au to source this product.
You can use a pressure washer to clean your deck but do not run this at greater than 8Kpa (1200 PSI) or position the nozzle within 300mm from the deck surface otherwise this may mark the surface of the deck.
Mould and Mildew:
CleverDeck Xtreme has a fungicide added in to the formulation to help reduce the incidence of mould or mildew growing in the boards.
However, as mould spores are transmitted through the air they can easily grow on top of any surface under the right climatic conditions. As mentioned under general cleaning Futurewood recommends that you regularly sweep and or mop your deck and periodically wash any dirt and debris from the surface using Futurewood Composite Timber Cleaner as well as making sure that twigs and leaves do not build up between the boards. Regular cleaning will help to reduce the likelihood of mould or mildew growing on the deck surface.
Scratching:
Just like most materials, CleverDeck Xtreme decking boards can be scratched if sharp objects are scraped across the board surface.
The hard polymer surface resists scratching from the wear and tear associated with normal deck use however if a scratch occurs due to misuse it can be removed using a heat gun (see video under Tools & Resources on our web site). Please note this repair method needs to be carefully executed in order to avoid damaging the board through excess heat). We recommend that a protective mat or furniture pads are used to protect against contact from sources such as furniture legs, BBQs or planter stands.
Staining:
CleverDeck Xtreme composite decking has a waterproof capping that resists staining from oil, grease, wine, red clay or leaf matter although if dirt or other foreign material remains on the surface for some time the material itself may leave a surface stain on the decking.
Futurewood recommends using a specially formulated “Composite Timber Cleaner” as a general cleaner. Aqualis Coatings manufactures a range of composite timber cleaners that can be purchased from their website www.aqualis.com.au or by calling 1300 046 832.
Constant metal contact may produce rust stains on your deck. You should use a protective mat or plastic caps to protect against metal contact from sources such as furniture legs, BBQs or planter stands.
Sealing or Painting:
CleverDeck Xtreme is fully sealed on all 4 sides of the deck board so only cut ends or edges need to be sealed if additional waterproofing is required.
Contact Futurewood on 1300 484 308 or info@futurewood.com.au to enquire about the CleverDeck Xtreme coloured sealer that has been specially formulated for this purpose.
Painting the deck boards is not recommended.
Miscellaneous/pot plants/mats/Low E glass:
Make sure that heavy items are well supported and positioned so that they are sitting above the joists/substructure.
Constant loading on any individual deck board without immediate joist support may cause that board to sag. CleverDeck Xtreme decking is not suitable for use as a structural support.
Pot plants should not be left in direct contact with the deck boards and should be elevated above the decking using pot plant feet to avoid the damp base of the pot being in constant contact with the surface of the deck board. Mats should not be left in the same position on the deck for any length of time as they can trap moisture under them and create a steamy environment on a hot day that could permanently discolour the decking.
Be careful with reflections from “low E” glass if this is fitted close to your deck surface as reflections from this material have been proven to generate extremely high heat that may damage the decking surface.
CleverDeck ® Original
Care & Cleaning Recommendations
CleverDeck Original composite decking is virtually maintenance free, needing only periodic cleaning to keep it looking great, however, just like timber it can scratch and stain so please read the following notes.
Initial weathering and removal of any residual tannins:
Your CleverDeck Original composite decking boards are made from a combination of recycled plastic, hardwood flour and rice husks.
When new, there may be some residual tannin in the wood flour component of your decking boards. This tannin will leach out of the board the first few times that the deck board is wet and will appear as a stain after the board has dried. This (tannin) stain can be removed by washing with water if required, otherwise, it will normally disappear after the board has been wet/dried several times.
You will also notice a softening of the surface colour as the board is exposed to the weather over the first 4-12 weeks. This natural weathering effect varies across the colour range.
Water marks:
our CleverDeck Original composite decking boards should be installed on a sub frame that allows for a fall of approximately 4mm for every metre.
This will ensure that any residual water will be able to run off the deck and not sit on the boards making a puddle. If water does pool on the deck boards and then slowly dries off/evaporates a water stain may result, the stain is easily washed off, but it will be likely to reoccur each time a pool of water is left to dry on the deck boards.
General cleaning:
Don’t forget to give your new CleverDeck Original deck a thorough cleaning after it has been installed to remove any manufacturing lubricants and the dirt and grime associated with the installation of the deck.
Like any floor in your home, CleverDeck Original composite decking looks best when it is kept clean. Sweeping with a broom should be undertaken regularly. More thorough washing of the deck should be based on the amount of organic debris that ends up on your deck via overhanging or nearby vegetation as well as airborne dust, general dirt and grime that builds up from regular foot traffic.
A thin film of oxidised material may also build up on your deck over time if it is not used or cleaned regularly. This will show when you wash the deck by discolouring the water. Strong colours like Mahogany and Slate Grey will turn the cleaning water a similar colour, particularly if they have not been washed for some time and the oxidised layer is able to build up.
You can use a pressure washer to clean your deck but do not run this at greater than 8Kpa (1200 PSI) or position the nozzle within 300mm from the deck surface, otherwise this may mark the surface of the deck.
You can use a pressure washer to clean your deck but do not run this at greater than 8Kpa (1200 PSI) or position the nozzle within 300mm from the deck surface otherwise this may mark the surface of the deck.
Mould and mildew:
CleverDeck Original has a fungicide added in to the formulation to help reduce the incidence of mould or mildew growing in the boards.
However, as mould spores are transmitted through the air, they can easily grow on any surface under the right climatic conditions. As mentioned under general cleaning, Futurewood recommends that you regularly sweep your deck and periodically wash any dirt and debris from the surface, using Futurewood Composite Timber Cleaner, making sure that twigs and leaves do not build up between the boards. Regular cleaning will help to reduce the likelihood of mould or mildew growing on the deck surface.
If mildew starts to grow on your deck (typically characterised by a green tinge) we recommend that you sweep the deck with a stiff bristled broom and then wash down the surface of your deck thoroughly using a solution of Futurewood Composite Timber Cleaner. If mould starts to grow on your deck (typically characterised by black/grey spots) we recommend that you apply a solution of “Wet & Forget” (contact Wet and forget directly 02 9986 2126) to the surface of your deck making sure that you follow the manufacturer’s instructions and recommendations for use.
Please note many harsh household chemical cleaners that can be used to remove mould or mildew in the home may not be suitable for composite timber and may cause severe damage to the board surface if used.
Scratching:
Just like timber, CleverDeck Original boards can be scratched by sharp objects. The coarse sanded finish on the surface of CleverDeck Original is designed to hide most minor scratches.
Claw marks from medium to larger dogs, sharp stones caught in shoe treads etc. can scratch the surface of your deck boards. These surface scratches are normally more pronounced on newer decks and from different angles depending on the light. Washing with a power washer (set on low and not too close to the deck surface) normally disturbs the surface fibres enough to further camouflage these scratches or else they tend to become less visible over time. Be careful not to drag furniture or heavy items across your deck as this action may lead to significant scratches on the deck surface. Futurewood recommend that a protective mat or furniture pads are used to protect against contact from sources such as furniture legs, BBQs or planter stands. Larger scratches can be removed using a hand-held wire wheel and dragging or scraping the wheel over the face of the board in the direction of the grain.
Because the deck boards are double sided you also have the option of using the other side of your deck board if the scratch or damage to the top surface of the board is too deep to remove using the wire wheel. You can loosen the deck clips/screws and then turn the board/boards over if they have the same finish on both sides although the underside of your deck board will not have fully weathered so you will need to wait a few weeks before the “new side” of the deck board weathers back to a similar colour as the other boards on your deck.
Staining:
CleverDeck Original composite decking has an open fibrous surface that will stain if oil, grease, wine, red clay, leaf matter (tannin) or rust remains on the surface for some time and penetrates the fibres.
The best method of removing stains relies on cleaning the area immediately after the stain occurs (before it soaks into the cellulose fibre). Futurewood recommends using the specially formulated “Composite Timber Cleaner” as a general cleaner. The cleaner is manufactured by Aqualis Coatings. A range of composite timber cleaners can be purchased from their website www.aqualis.com.au, or by calling 1300 046 832. The cleaner can be used at different strengths depending on how dirty your deck is (refer to the manufacturer for instructions). Alternatively, a strong solution of dishwashing detergent (without any added bleach) and hot water, applied immediately after the staining has occurred will remove most stains. High pressure washing may also help to remove the stain however caution is required when using high pressure washers as explained in the general cleaning section above.
Always allow proper ventilation and respiratory protection when using chemical cleaners. Make sure that you follow the manufacturer’s recommendations when using any cleaning products.
If all else fails, you can lightly sand the face of the deck board to remove the stain. Please note that over sanding may remove the indented grain pattern from the board.
Constant metal contact may produce rust stains on your deck. You should use a protective mat or plastic caps to protect against metal contact from sources such as furniture legs, BBQs or planter stands.
In order to avoid heavy grease staining, if a large amount of cooking oil/fat is likely to fall from your BBQ on to the deck, a protective mat placed over the decking and covering the area immediately around your BBQ is highly recommended.
Painting, surface sealing or “wet look” coating:
CleverDeck Original does not require any painting over the life of the product and is not recommended. If over time you would like to darken or change the existing deck colour or apply a coating to seal the deck surface or add a sheen, please call Futurewood on 1300 484 308 or email info@futurewood.com.au for details of the options available to you in your area.
Miscellaneous/pot plants/mats/Low E glass:
Make sure that heavy items are well supported and positioned so that they are sitting above the joists/substructure. Constant loading on any individual deck board without immediate joist support may cause that board to sag. CleverDeck Original is not suitable for use as a structural support.
Pot plants should not be left in direct contact with the deck boards and should be elevated above the decking using pot plant feet to avoid the damp base of the pot being in constant contact with the surface of the deck board. Mats should not be left in the same position on the deck for any length of time as they can trap moisture under them and create a steamy environment on a hot day that could permanently discolour the decking.
Be careful with reflections from “low E” glass if this is fitted close to your deck surface as reflections from this material have been proven to generate extremely high heat that may damage the decking surface.