Composite decking is designed and produced to look like exotic woods like teak, walnut, and cherry, and it may keep its color, texture, and beauty for many years. It does not require the time-consuming and labor-intensive painting or staining as typical pressure treated decking requires year after year.
Maintenance Tips For Composite Decking
However, any outdoor construction exposed to the elements in nature will require some maintenance over time, if not to preserve structural integrity, then to maintain its aesthetic appeal. While it’s true that kompositterrasse require far less care than typical pressure-treated (PT) wood decks, following three steps will ensure that your composite decking looks brand new for decades.
Place furniture pads on the deck furniture’s bottoms.
Scratches from moving metal deck furniture over your new komposit terrasse be a real pain, much like scratch marks on a hardwood floor can show up over time inside your home. Peel and stick outdoor furniture covers may be easily applied to patio chair legs, tables, and other deck accessories. Outdoor coverings, unlike fabric-covered interior cushions, are composed of rubber or plastic to keep water out.
If a scratch or scuff occurs, the look of the scratch or scuff should fade over time as the freshly exposed surface weathers. A heat gun (available at most building goods or hardware stores) can be used to gently melt and merge the blemished piece of the polypropylene cap material into the neighboring deck surface region for bigger scratches or scuffs. It’s vital to remember that the heat gun’s point should constantly be moving and should never be put closer than 2 inches from the deck surface, since this might permanently harm the deck’s surface. After making the repair, never use a heat gun directly on the deck surface.
Practice Routine Sweeping and Washing
Outdoor decks are always inundated with things from above, from pollen, leaves, and twigs to bird droppings and insects. Although composite decks are made to last and are far more resistant to moisture problems than genuine wood, homeowners should clean the surface of their decks on a regular basis. By using a firm bristled broom or leaf blower to remove these items, you reduce the chance of them (a stick, pebble, acorn, etc.) being stepped on and causing damage to the deck or the person walking barefooted.
Cleaning composite decks with a warm soapy water solution is also a good idea as the seasons change. This’ Refreshing’ will remove any dirt or pollen that has accumulated over time and dulled the appearance of composite. It’s important to remember that commonplace materials like dirt, pollen, and bird droppings rarely form a strong bond with the composite deck surface. In most circumstances, soap and water, together with a little scrubbing, will remove the majority of the filth and grime. During any adjacent painting or building activity, it is advised that you keep your deck covered and protected. It’s often difficult to clean up paint spills or cementitious dust from stucco or other similar applications.
When using pressure washers on composite decks, homeowners should use extreme caution. The spraying water’s high pressure – never use more than 2,500 PSI, always utilize the fan/spray attachment, and keep the tip at least 12″ away from the deck’s surface. A composite deck that is swept and washed down a few times a year will seldom require much more than a garden hose to keep it clean.
How to Remove Ice & Snow Correctly
Decking is designed to survive the extreme weather conditions seen in Sweden. polypropylene and hardwood composite decking, which is made in Maine, outperforms both wood and other composite decking materials. However, understanding how to keep your deck clear of snow and ice in the winter can guarantee that your deck is not damaged by mistake.
The principal entry and exit to the house for some homeowners is reached through their deck. If this is the case all year and clearing the deck of ice and snow becomes required, always use a plastic shovel with a non-metal tip. It’s also worth noting that certain plastic shovels have a sharp metal edge that may easily scratch or damage your decking. Inspect all shovels thoroughly to ensure that they are completely plastic.
When cleaning snow from a composite deck, instead of cutting across several deck boards, ‘follow the grain’ and go parallel with the direction of the boards. This reduces the likelihood of grabbing an edge and harming the surface. On most composite decks, calcium chloride or rock salt can be used to melt ice accumulation.
While not completely maintenance-free, composite decking is designed to be far easier to maintain than genuine wood, with no rotting, splitting, or warping. You can say “goodbye” to scraping, sanding, and painting your deck every year when you say “hi” to a new composite deck.
