10 Upkeep Tips for Low-Maintenance Composite Decks

Posted by Manny DeMelo on August 21st, 2015

Wood DeckComposite decks have many advantages over wood decks. They are more durable, safer, offer more styles and colours to choose from, and improve your home’s resale value (because they stay in good condition much longer than wood).

Undoubtedly, one of the most important benefits of composite decks is that they are a low-maintenance alternative to wood. They won’t fade or mold like wood does. The elements and pests won’t affect them as much. And they don’t need staining, painting, or sealing every year.

They’re so easy to take care of that you should have no problem keeping them looking just as good as the day they were installed –even decades into the future.

Easy Tips to Maintain Low-Maintenance Decks

  1. Make sure any downspouts are aimed away from the deck. You don’t want any standing water underneath it.
  2. Simply use a broom or blower to clean off your deck surface at least twice a year.
  3. Snow and ice in the winter? Don’t use sharp shovels or anything with sharp edges to remove it.
  4. If you like BBQing (and of course you do), get a vinyl-backed splatter guard to put under your grill.
  5. Don’t let oil or grease stains sit on your deck – clean them up quickly or they could soak in.
  6. Use pressure washers with extreme caution, at never more than 1,500 psi. Keep the pressure washer at least 12 inches above the deck’s surface.
  7. Dirt and debris accumulating on your deck? Give it a good old fashioned scrub with soap and water. Scrub in the same direction of the grain pattern.
  8. If you do find mold, use a cleaner specifically designed for composite decks.
  9. Clean any debris out of the gaps between decking boards.
  10. Minimize how much wet mulch you use up against the deck’s structure. Ideally, don’t use any!

As anyone who has ever had a wood deck can see, composite decks really do live up to their low-maintenance claims. It’s simple to keep these decks in great shape.

Your decking contractor should provide you with more detailed instructions on proper maintenance for your specific deck. But all in all, it’s pretty straightforward when it comes to composite decking.

Now, instead of staining, painting, or sealing your deck, you can just relax on it and enjoy your backyard.

>> Quality Exteriors designs and builds custom decks. We are happy to provide you with a free estimate on your next deck project.

Visit our online photo gallery to see some of the beautiful custom decks we’ve completed in Oakville, Burlington, Hamilton, St. Catharines, and Niagara.

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