Basking in the beauty of your new composite decking, you might find yourself pondering how long its immaculate sheen will endure. Or maybe you’ve been relishing your composite deck for a year and are curious about the safety and feasibility of pressure washing it. Dive into these insightful tips to ensure you can continue savoring your deck’s pristine appearance!
Are you a DIY Pro?
When was the last time you tackled a complex DIY project in your home? Perhaps you recently installed a new ceiling fan in your living room, mounted a heavy-duty hanger for an oversized picture frame, or nurtured your flourishing garden. Regardless of how you manage essential tasks around your house, one thing remains certain: employing the right tools is vital for success. While some gardening enthusiasts relish tilling soil with a flathead screwdriver, using the appropriate equipment is crucial for completing the job efficiently and effectively on the first attempt.
Understanding the right tools and techniques is crucial for maintaining your deck effectively. While you might assume that all decks require the same cleaning methods, properly washing your home’s decking can involve various intricate approaches. The strategy for cleaning a pressure-treated wood deck will differ from one made of softwoods or hardwoods. This is particularly true when it comes to preserving the integrity of composite decking.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the pros and cons of composite decking. Furthermore, we’ll delve into the optimal methods for cleaning your composite deck and the pitfalls to avoid while tending to your outdoor oasis. Lastly, we’ll examine the surfaces, materials, and situations best suited for power washing services.
Are you ready to arm yourself with the right tools? Join us and read on!
Composite Decking Pros and Cons
First, let’s take a moment to refresh our memories with a definition of composite decking, all while being witty about it. Composite decking is an amalgamation of materials, typically consisting of 50% wood and 50% plastic. Some companies even embrace eco-friendliness by using recycled content to minimize their carbon footprint.
When choosing composite decking for your home, two contenders are vying for your attention: uncapped and capped composite. Uncapped composite decking boasts an ideal balance of organic wood fibers and inorganic elements. Still, it lacks a protective cap on its pieces. On the other hand, capped composite decking features the same 50/50 material blend, safeguarded by a high-performance polymer cap.
So, what does this all mean? Allow me to charmingly guide you through the ups and downs of composite decking and if it can be power washed!
The Pros
As previously mentioned, composite decking cleverly combines recycled wood and plastics. This eco-friendly approach gives new life to materials that might have otherwise been destined for your local landfill.
Moreover, this unique concoction of materials ensures that composite decking is built to stand the test of time. Harnessing the slow-decaying power of plastic, composite decking’s durability is tough to rival compared to other decking options.
But wait, there’s more! This type of decking boasts top-notch performance, and its visual allure is also effortless on the eyes. The harmonious blend of wood will seamlessly complement most homeowners’ aesthetics and elevate your outdoor decor to new heights.
And last but not least, composite decking is a low-maintenance dream come true for those who dread the never-ending cycle of porch upkeep.
So, can a composite deck handle the mighty power of a pressure washer? Let’s dive in and uncover the truth, shall we?
The Cons
While composite decking boasts an impressive array of strengths, it’s not without a few chinks in its armor when it comes to decking your home. For starters, the initial costs of composite decking can pack quite a punch in your wallet. Although prices are on par with traditional wood decks, opting for premium composite decking will have your bank account wincing.
Uncapped composite decking may ease the financial blow, but this choice comes with its fair share of caveats. Sure, you can space out maintenance sessions, such as pressure washing, but uncapped composite decking demands thorough, deep cleanings. This option might not be your cup of tea if you’re not one for intense deck-scrubbing sessions.
The uncapped variety leaves organic wood fibers exposed to the elements. This capless state makes your deck vulnerable to mold and mildew damage, so you must arm yourself with a specialized cleaning solution to fend off the bacterial buildup. Otherwise, your deck will look like a polka-dot blanket reminiscent of 1975!
The Verdict
Composite decking truly shines as a splendid choice for your home! It’s perfect for those who don’t mind splurging a bit upfront and can roll up their sleeves for an occasional deep clean.
But wait, how do you give your composite decking the proper pampering it deserves? Fear not, for we have some nifty ideas to help keep your porch in tip-top shape, including the ever-powerful power wash!
Tips to a Perfect Shine
Knowing how to care for your composite decking properly is critical to preserve its longevity. Before you get to work cleaning your porch, it is essential to know what tools you need to complete the job accurately. Here are four critical tips to remember when treating your composite decking!
Find The Right Cleaner
Many composite deck manufacturers advise steering clear of chlorine bleach-based cleaners. However, when battling mildew, sodium hypochlorite swoops in as the hero you need! With proper use and correct dilution ratios, sodium hypochlorite will easily vanquish mold and mildew.
Refrain from falling for the myth that sodium hypochlorite worsens mold spore problems! Mold flourishes in warm, moist environments, which sodium hypochlorite cannot conjure.
So, what’s the winning formula for cleaning your composite decking? A trifecta of a power washer, sodium hypochlorite, and high alkaline detergent – all wielded with the proper dilution ratios and optimal PSI!
Mind The Gaps
Your contractor may have conjured up the pièce de résistance of deck-building services for your home, but let’s face it – every deck with planks has gaps. Turning a blind eye to cleaning these pesky gaps might be tempting, but they’re a crucial part of your porch that requires meticulous care.
Debris loves to huddle in these gaps, hoarding moisture amongst the dirt and grime and offering mold and mildew a five-star stay if left unaddressed. So, roll up your sleeves and dive into the nitty-gritty; flushing out the dirt from your deck gaps will work wonders for the overall vitality of your composite decking.
Avoid Utilizing The Wrong Tools
The temptation to unleash the full force of a pressure washing service upon your composite decking might be hard to resist. However, many experts suggest exploring alternatives. Composite decking, being softer than natural wood, is more vulnerable to damage from inconsistent pressure washing services.
There’s no denying that pressure washers are mighty cleaning warriors. When wielded by a professional pressure washing service, they’re perfect for rejuvenating your home’s siding or driveway. But when it comes to composite decking, ensure the contractor is well-versed in the proper cleaning techniques to avoid unwanted damage!
Composite decking can be etched if washed too closely or with excessive pressure. Haphazard pressure washing can expose the planks to various issues, such as mold staining the plastic material within the openings, chipping, and sun damage.
To keep your composite deck looking spick-and-span, opt for the proper PSI and a gentle soft-wash cleaning method. And remember to perform basic cleaning tasks periodically between visits from your chosen pressure washing professionals!
Consider this analogy for maintaining your composite decking: If you have carpet at home, it’s best to vacuum regularly and call professional carpet cleaners once or twice a year for a deep clean and extraction.
To properly clean your composite decking, arm yourself with the right tools. For basic cleaning, all you need is a broom and garden hose. Sweep away dirt and debris, then give your deck a refreshing rinse.
Enlist a soft bristle scrub brush and a suitable cleaning solution for more intensive cleanings. With the right cleaner, you’ll spend less time scrubbing and more time enjoying your pristine deck!
Closing Thoughts
Mastering the art of caring for your composite decking is crucial to ensure your porch enjoys a long, healthy life. The world is brimming with tantalizing tools that may beguile you. Still, it’s wise to sidestep particular gadgets in favor of those that truly serve your decking right.
A powerful pressure washer, though a formidable ally for cleaning your home, SHOULD NOT be kept at bay regarding your composite decking. Equip yourself with the optimal tactics in conjunction with a power washer to pamper your composite deck and guarantee your porch remains in tip-top shape.
At Window Ninjas, we’re zealous about preserving your property’s well-being. With over three decades of experience under our belts, we possess the know-how and sagacity to bestow upon your home the washing it deserves, making it positively gleam! Summon the expertise of the pros today and fortify your cleaning arsenal with the finest tools. Give Window Ninjas a buzz at 833-646-5271 or swing by our website at windowninjas.com to witness the difference for yourself!
