We are confident that your new composite deck is going to be beautiful, and we want to help you keep it that way! Our experts at Team Builders Decks have gathered up some of our best maintenance routines and tips for your new composite deck. Continue reading to learn more about protecting your new composite deck for years to come.
The Importance of Deck Maintenance
Composite decking is an increasingly popular choice for residential and commercial property owners who want a durable, low-maintenance, and beautiful outdoor space. Proper cleaning and maintenance are crucial for keeping your composite deck looking and performing its best over time.
Deck maintenance is crucial to creating a beautiful outdoor space that you and your loved ones or employees can enjoy for years to come. Our team has recommendations for both routine and seasonal maintenance to help protect and preserve your composite deck investment.
Best Practices for Composite Deck Maintenance
Preventing Damages
Preventing scratches, dents, or other damages is the best way to maintain your deck – prevention is key! While our composite decking is designed to be durable, we have several recommendations to reduce the chances of damaging your deck.
- Do not drag heavy items across your deck. If you must remove large, heavy items, use a dolly or enlist the help of another person.
- Use furniture pads or glides on the legs of your deck furniture, including chairs or tables, to prevent scratches while moving any furniture.
- Catch grease and spills from staining and damaging your deck surface by placing your grill on a grill mat.
- Trim back any bushes or trees to prevent sharp branches from scratching your deck.
- Use a plastic shovel when removing snow from the surface of your deck or around the base of your deck. Metal shovels may cause large gouges.
Routine Cleaning
Regular cleaning is essential to maintaining the beauty and strength of your new composite deck. The most basic task to care for your composite fence is to use a broom to remove dirt, debris, leaves, and any other build-up. Our team recommends using a soft-bristle broom and removing any plant matter at least once a week for the best results.
Build-up can trap moisture, which can cause mold and mildew to grow on the surface of your deck. The easiest way to avoid cleaning up mold and mildew in the future is to invest a small amount of time in routine maintenance!
We also recommend washing your composite deck with water to remove any grime or dirt that might build up on the surface of your deck. Build-up can make the surface of your deck slippery and may also contribute to mold or mildew growth, so it’s important to rinse your deck with water whenever you notice visible dirt or every month.
Routine cleaning in the winter is different from routine maintenance throughout the rest of the year. For more information, check out our blog about winter deck maintenance from our Cedar Falls, IA custom deck contractors.
Seasonal Maintenance
To keep your composite deck in peak condition, our Cedar Valley, Iowa deck builders recommend performing some maintenance tasks at the start and end of the outdoor season.
We recommend that you inspect your deck for signs of damage that may have occurred over the summer or throughout the outdoor season. Check all of the hardware to see if there are any loose or damaged parts. Identifying these damages or issues early can prevent further complications.
Thoroughly clean your deck before sealing any cut or exposed ends where the composite materials have been modified to prevent further damage or water infiltration. The best way to prevent water infiltration is to check for proper drainage around your deck and make sure that the water is directed away from the deck surface and foundation.
Deep Cleaning
While composite decking is designed to be low-maintenance, our Cedar Falls, IA custom deck contractors recommend deep cleaning your deck twice a year. Deep cleaning your deck gives you a fresh start for entertaining, relaxing, or hosting outdoor events.
- Start by mixing warm water with a gentle cleanser. The deck materials manufacturer may recommend a specific cleaner designed for their decks, or there are products specifically designed to clean composite. For best results, follow any directions to dilute the cleanser on the bottle.
- Scrub the surface of the composite deck using a rag or a sponge. We advise against using any abrasive materials, including steel scrubbers, which may damage the deck. We recommend you clean from one end of the deck to another and leave yourself a way out of the deck.
- Thoroughly rinse your deck with clean water from a hose to remove any remaining cleaner. Allow the deck to dry fully, then replace any furniture or outdoor equipment.
How to Remove Mold and Mildew
Mold and mildew may build up on your fence in damp or shady areas or under piles of debris, including leaves. Regularly removing mold and mildew can prevent staining or make removal easier.
- Start by choosing a composite deck cleaner specifically designed to remove mold or mildew. Again, the deck materials manufacturer may recommend a specific cleanser, or you can find a solution at your local hardware store.
- Following the manufacturer’s recommendations, apply the cleanser to the areas of growth and let it sit for the length of time recommended by the instructions on the bottle.
- Use a soft-bristle brush or a broom and scrub the affected area.
- Rinse the deck with clean water to remove any remaining cleaning solution and any mold or mildew. Allow your deck to fully dry, and then replace any furniture.
We’re the Top Cedar Falls, IA Deck Builders
If you live in the Cedar Valley or the surrounding area and are interested in installing a new composite deck, contact the deck pros at Team Builders. Give us a call at (319) 481-8326 or contact us online. We’re ready to answer your questions and help you get started with your next composite deck project!
