Composite Decking Maintenance
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How to maintain the appearance of your decking with the proper composite decking maintenance shedule
In recent years, composite decking has skyrocketed in popularity due to its attractive appearance, long life, and low maintenance requirements. When selecting a material for their deck, homeowners who choose for composite decking have the opportunity to spend more time actually using their decks and less time maintaining them. Despite the fact that this decking material requires very little maintenance, it will still need to be:
- Swept regularly – swept clean of dust, leaves and other debris on a regular basis, this will be part of your composite decking maintenance routine
- Washed six monthly – and then to be thourghly cleaned, approximately once every six months with water, a mild dishwashing liquid and a soft nylon bristled broom. In this article, we will discuss how to control and get rid of unsightly items such as food stains, mould and mildew.
What Makes up Composite Decking
Because composite decking is a relatively new material, it is understandable that many people still aren’t aware with its composition. This is because composite decking is quite new. However, getting familiar with the components that go into making composite decking can help you gain a better idea of the stresses that it can and cannot endure, as well as the proper way to work with it. In most cases, composite decking is produced by combining a number of components, the most important of which being wood and plastic. These materials have undergone processing to make them look as much like real wood as is possible. Byproducts of the timber industry, including as chips, sawdust, and wood fibre, make up the majority of the wood. Both the wood and the plastic can be produced from recycled or virgin materials depending on the manufacturer’s preference.
Composite Decking Maintenance is much easier than maintaining to wood decking
How to protect against stains and organic deterioration
By cleaning your composite decking on a regular basis, you may eliminate debris that might otherwise cause staining or degradation due to organic matter. Even though composite decking is meant to be stain-resistant, there is still a possibility that markings will form on the decking if it is not maintained properly. It is advisable to clean off food and liquid stains as soon as they happen, try not to leave them too long on the composite decking as the longer they stay the harder the stains will be to remove.
How to Prevent the Growth of Mold and Mildew
Even though composite decks are engineered to resist water, decay and mould and mildew, one should still prevent water from pooling on the surface of the deck, since mildew and mould thrive in moist, warm enviroments, you will lessening the likelihood if no unnecessary water is let for long periods on the decking.
You may additionally prevent mould from growing on your decking by adding a moisture barrier to it. It is imperative that you select the appropriate product for this situation; you should steer clear of any sealers that are “waterproofing” and any chemicals that “encapsulate” your material. Products like as these have the potential to prevent moisture from escaping from the interior of your deck, which may lead to additional problems in the future.
The proper way to remove mould and mildew from composite decking
Mold and mildew growth is one more typical problem that homeowners of composite decks have to deal with. Mold and mildew are two forms of the fungus that are quite similar in many ways. For example, they are both types of fungus that develop and thrive in environments that are damp, moist, and have little or no light. Both of them begin to develop after their spores locate an environment that is conducive to the growth of their colonies. Both processes need the use of porous materials, which may include wood, paper, fabric, drywall, clothes, insulation, padding, or carpet. Mold and mildew spores can be fed by dirt that has been left on composite decking, despite the fact that mould and mildew do not typically thrive on synthetic materials like plastic, metals, and composite decking.
The most noticeable difference between mould and mildew is their look. Mildew is often described as being grey or white in colour, having a fuzzy or powdery consistency, and can be found on the leaves of plants, giving the impression that the plants are ill. Spots of grey or white will begin to appear on the plant as the mildew begins to feast on the cells of the plant. Mold, on the other hand, might appear black, green, or yellow, and it often has a slimy or fuzzy appearance. Mold can also produce spores. In extreme circumstances, mould can take on a plant-like appearance and eat away at its host.
Those who are exposed to mould for extended periods of time run the risk of experiencing severe health problems as a result of their exposure. Mycotoxins are produced by the fungi that are responsible for mould growth. These mycotoxins can induce a variety of symptoms, including irritation of the eyes and skin, high fevers, shortness of breath, and other allergic reactions.
People in the surrounding area are impacted by mould and mildew in a variety of different ways. For instance, those who inhale these spores may start to cough, get a headache, or find it difficult to breathe.
In most cases, the consequences of mould are significantly more severe than those of mildew. Mold is harmful to structures and can cause major health problems over the long run. The following are examples of reactions to this fungus:
In addition, people who are allergic to mould may experience symptoms such as sneezing, congestion, and irritation of the eyes, skin, and throat. Because of this, it is extremely important that you clean the mould off of your deck as soon as you possibly can. Even though composite decking is resistant to many things, it is not impenetrable to mould and mildew. Mold and mildew can still grow on composite decking. Mold can be removed quiet easily from your deck by simply making use of an enzyme cleaner, such as the product manufactured by Blendwell Chemicals.
Our composite products are made to withstand the elements and provide a long-lasting, stunning deck, with minimal composite decking maintenance.