Tips on How to Take Care of and Maintain Composite

Decking

Composite decking is quite popular in many Australian homes today. Many homeowners realize the benefits of this eco-friendly material in designing their decks. Durability and easy maintenance are two of the most important benefits of a composite deck compared to a traditional wooden deck. Though, a composite deck may cost you a bit more initially, it surely compensates for this with the low maintenance costs and durability. Here are some of the most important tips on care and maintenance of composite decking.

A composite deck doesn't require the oiling, painting and sealing required to protect a traditional timber deck. Most of the stains on a composite deck will simply wash away when exposed to water. Washing it with water on a periodical basis could easily clean a composite deck. The cleaning of the deck will depend on its exposure to dirt and other pollutants in the surrounding environment.

No Oiling, Painting, or Sealing Needed

Check the Color of the Deck

The cleaning process for composite decks will mainly depend on its color. These decks come in a variety of colors. Dark colored composite decks need to be cleaned on an occasional basis while light colored decks should be cleaned more often. All this will depend on your environment and on how you use the deck.

Clean Regularly

To perform a general cleaning, scrub the deck with a stiff bristle brush using hot water and a mild soap solution. Wash down thoroughly with high-pressure water or with a garden hose. Squeeze off the water and mop the wet area properly. Remember to not use a pressure washer greater than 1,500 PSI. Do not apply the water closer than 30cm from the decking surface since these actions can damage the composite deck.

Steer Clear from Scratch Marks and Stains

Over time, a composite deck can develop scratch marks, especially on light colored decks. Do not pull the furniture on your deck. Protect your deck by using appropriate adhesive pads for your furniture. You can use a coarse grit sandpaper of 40-grit or less to lightly hand sand the floor of the deck. This can help eliminate scratch marks for good.

Stubborn fat and oil stains can be removed with Motsenbockerís Lift Off 2. Spray the solution directly on to the stain and leave it for 15-minutes to penetrate. Scrub the area with a broom or scrubbing brush. Wash the area with dishwasher liquid and hot water. Use a squeegee broom to squeeze water off the deck. Mop the resultant area with a clean sponge mop. Beverage stains from coffee, tea, red wine and beer can also be cleared the same way. Remember to remove red wine stains immediately since it may be hard to remove them when it is left over a certain period of time.

Avoid Mold Growth

Composite decks are naturally resistant to decay-causing mold and other microbes. Mold needs a continuous supply of oxygen, organic food such as dust and dirt, moisture, and cooler temperatures. Keeping the composite deck clean and well drained will definitely help avoid mold growth. The aforementioned tips are important to have a beautiful and long-lasting composite decking.

Ekologix Australia PTY LTD

Address: Unit 1, 20-26 Sabre Drive, Port Melbourne Victoria Australia 3207 Phone: (03) 9639 7774 Website: http://ekologix.com.au/