Cleaning composite decking is far easier than cleaning wooden decks. One of the main reasons is that composite lumber doesn’t rot and mold as easily as wood. Composite lumber has been used in outdoor applications such as decks and porches since 1983, making it the longest-lasting alternative to wood decking on the market today. Plus, composite decks come in a variety of colors to match your home’s exterior décor.
The Basics of Cleaning
How do you clean composite decking? While there are certain cleaning products specifically formulated for cleaning composite decking, you should never use these when cleaning a wood deck as they may contain chemicals that can damage it. Your first step in cleaning a komposittrall massiv will be to sweep or vacuum up any debris and then clean it with soap and water. Before using soap and water on your deck, however, make sure you remove any food or beverage spills since even something as innocent as juice can leave permanent stains.
Mold, Mildew, and Moldy Odor
While mildew and mold can be a problem for both composite and wooden decks, they won’t discolor or damage your decking. You can remove it by scrubbing it with soap and water, but you may need to repeat your cleaning efforts several times before you get rid of it. Try vinegar mixed with a little bleach to stop any mold growth, which will help prevent stains in the future.
Food Spills and Beverage
Blotting wet stains with paper towels is usually an effective way to clean up any spills that seep into your deck. Wash it with a solution of 50/50 water and vinegar or mild laundry detergent diluted in warm water. If there’s no residue left after rinsing, use a garden hose set at medium pressure to rinse away any remaining traces of soap.
Dirt and Dirtscapes
With a composite deck, you’re more likely to find bird poop and dirt as opposed to mold and mildew. That said, dirt and dust can build up over time just like on your wooden deck. It’s best to be proactive and clean your composite deck once a month or after heavy rainfall or flooding. First, remove any standing water with a garden hose or push broom.
Heavy Soil Stains
If a deck has become stained with heavy soil over time, consider using a pressure washer to remove stains from those areas. Make sure that you never direct high-pressure water toward wood or your komposittrall pris protective coating. The force of water can cause damage to either material and cause it to peel and crack prematurely. You also have to make sure that you’re taking every precaution when cleaning your deck with chemicals and additives so that you don’t ruin its finish.
Garbage Disposals
When you’re trying to install a new garbage disposal, consider using your existing plumbing lines to bring wastewater away from your home rather than installing a new drain line. It may be easier and more cost-effective to use an existing drain line than it is to dig up yards of soil in order to install a separate drain line. This also means that when it’s time to repair or replace your garbage disposal, you can do so with minimal hassle and fuss.
Wood Decks vs Composite Decks
A wooden deck needs to be treated and sealed regularly, typically once or twice a year depending on its exposure to the sun, rain, and other elements. On average, a wood deck costs $25 per square foot installed. The cost of replacing wood can be several thousand dollars more than if you had used composite decking. Keep in mind that composite decking is designed to last as long as 25 years if cared for properly.
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