How To Maintain Your Composite Decking
In this article, you will find some top tips to help you keep your composite decking in the best shape for years to come.
23/03/2021
Composite decking boards are made from a combination of different materials including wood and recycled plastics, making them an ideal choice for building decks. Composite decking is an increasingly popular choice since it is long-lasting, attractive to look at and practical. It is available in a huge range of colours and textures whether you are looking for a sleek and modern look or want a decking material that resembles natural hardwood or tropical hardwood. Another main reason why more and more people are choosing composite decking is that, compared to many other decking materials, it is very easy to install and requires minimal care and maintenance. When you opt for this type of decking, taking care of it and keeping it in good condition over time does not have to take a lot of work. Here are some top tips to help you keep your composite decking in the best shape for years to come.
Choose a Reputable and High-Quality Company
First of all, if you are in the process of getting composite decking for your outdoor space, it’s important to ensure that you choose decking from a reputable company known for producing high-quality products. Spend some time researching options and reading reviews to find out more about the company and what other customers have had to say about the service and products that they provide before making your decision. Ecoscape UK is an ideal choice if you are looking for silver birch decking and many other composite decking types. Ecoscape UK offers high-quality, environmentally friendly composite decking options with the biggest range in the UK for customers to choose from.
Reduce Standing Water
Although composite decking is a water-resistant and non-slip choice of decking material, it is important to keep it in top shape by reducing standing water on the deck. This will prevent mould and mildew growth on the decking, since both of these require water to thrive and are a common condition in wet environments.
Redirect Downspouts
Along with avoiding standing water, it is also important to ensure that any downspouts are directed away from your decking. Since they land on the surface at a very high pressure, they will cause damage to any material that they come into contact with over time. It’s important to check your roof and gutters to ensure that no rainwater and debris is falling down on to your composite decking.
Place Mulch Away from the Deck
It is also important to avoid placing organic mulch around the composite decking, since this will attract moisture and living organisms that can cause damage to the decking material over time. If you want to use mulch around your decking area, consider a safer alternative like gravel or inorganic mulch that is unlikely to cause as much damage to the materials.
Protect the Decking with Woven Rugs
Rugs can protect the decking from blemishes and scratches along with creating a cosier and more comfortable atmosphere in your outdoor space. When choosing a rug for your decking, it’s a wise idea to opt for a woven rug, since rugs with rubber backings are more likely to attract moisture and promote decay of the decking materials. Woven rugs or mats, on the other hand, promote airflow and keep the decking dry.
Regular Cleaning
Over time, different types of dirt will build up on your decking from your shoes, flower pots, and the general environment. Rock salt is another common occurrence both during and after the winter. Because of this, it is important to remove dirt build-up from your decking with a regular cleaning. Start with sweeping the deck as much as possible. If dirt and rock salt is still present, you can clean the deck further with mild soap, water, and a scrubbing brush. After cleaning, rinse the decking with clean water and thoroughly scrape it off to avoid leading any standing water on the deck. On a more regular basis, all your decking will need is sweeping. Do this often to prevent dirt and debris from building up and getting caught in between the gaps. Most composite decking will require more frequent sweeping during the autumn when the leaves are falling from the trees.
Promote Airflow
When installing your composite decking, consider how to promote the airflow that will allow the material to dry faster in wet weather or after cleaning. Allowing air to the underside of your composite decking will ensure that it is better protected against moisture and mould, and will help it to last longer. Ideally, you should look to leave no less than six inches of space for air circulation between your deck and the ground.
Unclog Regularly
All kinds of dirt and debris including grass, sticks, leaves, and even rubbish can end up getting stuck between the gaps of your composite decking boards. It’s important to unclog the gaps regularly and remove anything that has gotten in between, since if the clogs become wet, they can promote organic decay. You can usually easily remove anything that has become clogged in the gaps of your composite decking using a putty knife or a spatula. Once you’ve removed the clogs, spray the deck with running water to rinse any residue off thoroughly.
Apply a Stain
While composite decking is a popular choice because it does not require staining or treatments, it is a good idea to consider using a composite decking care treatment to offer additional protection against bad weather and other environmental factors. If you are in the process of choosing composite decking, opt for capped boards that have a plastic coating to help retain their colour and offer extra protection. You can find deck care treatments designed for composite decking that will provide extra waterproofing and stain resistance, helping your deck last even longer.
Composite decking is a popular choice because it retains quality for a long time with little maintenance compared to other materials. If you are considering composite decking for your outdoor space, the above maintenance tips will help you keep it in the best shape for even longer. p>