The Proper Ways To Maintain Composite Decking

Modern decking materials like composite wood and plastic wood are growing more popular among homeowners who are considering a home improvement project nowadays. These fairly new materials that are widely sought after because of their style. A composite deck can last a really long time. Manufacturers usually offer a 25-year warranty for their composite products and materials. This lengthy warranty period is due to the materials’ durability. Composites used in Japanese deck design lasts quite a while with little maintenance. However, adding a little effort in caring for your deck makes it last even longer. Check out these useful tips:

Always try to avoid standing water

It’s common knowledge that composite deck designs with a great view as well as a patio made of co-extrusion timber is highly resistant to mould. However, standing water can make mould and mildew grow on your boards. With the right temperature and moisture, moulds can easily proliferate. So, the best way to avoid this problem before it could even become one is to keep water from staying in one place for a long time.

• Add ventilation to the underside of your deck – it doesn’t need to be machine powered. All it takes is proper spacing between and on the sides of the boards.
• Try to redirect dryer vents – these vents usually pump out moist air and you don’t want that constantly blowing on your boards. Channel the air somewhere else. Anywhere will do as long as it does not affect your boards.
• Redirect downspouts – rainwater is just fine for your composite deck but it’s not always good to have your deck damp. If your downspout runs point in the direction of your deck, point it somewhere else.
• Avoid using mats that have rubber backing – rugs or mats that have rubber backing usually trap

Regular cleaning

The structural integrity of the composite deck in your house won’t degrade if you don’t regularly clean it. However, if you want to keep the surface in good condition and free from stains, regular cleaning can make a huge difference. Here are some things that you could do:

• Clean the gaps in between boards – it’s common for small debris to get lodged into the gaps in between the boards. If left intact, the debris could get wet and promote decay. This will not hurt the boards in a major way, but will leave stains that will not be removed. Using a spatula or a putty knife, gently slide along the gaps to dislodge the clogged dirt. After repeating the steps on other gaps, rinse with water or spray with a pressure washer.
• Sweep as often as you can – minute dirt particles can cause scratches in the long run if not removed. Sweeping regularly can keep you boards from getting scratched.
• Scrub off stubborn dirt – there can be times when greasy substances get spilled onto the boards, especially when having a barbeque, and don’t come off easily. If this happens, clean the affected area as soon as possible. Use a light cleaning detergent to remove the grease. Light scrubbing also helps release the oils, particularly if your boards have grooves.

For best results, it is recommended to use a pressure washer that can be attached with a bottle for cleaning solution. Spraying the boards with foam eases the stress applied on the surface by scrubbing. Beforehand, wet the boards to loosen the dirt. Then spray the board with a liberal amount of foam. Don’t be afraid to put too much. A few minutes after the foam lifts most the dirt away, gently spray it to blast away the foam along with the first. Also, target the gaps between the boards to dislodge any dirt trapped in the bottom. This method of cleaning is less invasive and gets that job done easily with minimal effort. If you build a new Japanese deck design with great privacy features for your outdoor space, you will surely have a space in your home that you will love for a very long time. Contact a professional builder if you need help. Call Futurewood if you want to know more about composite wood or co-extrusion timber.