Why Pressure Washing Your Composite Decking is a Bad Idea

Pressure washing your deck, whether it’s wood or composite material, can be tempting to get the job done quickly. However, it’s one of the most damaging things you can do to clean your decking, so it should be avoided at all costs. Here’s why pressure washing your composite decking is a bad idea and how you can use water and mild soap to make your deck look just as good (or better) than the day you installed it.

What Is a Composite Deck?

Composite decking is an alternative to pressure-treated wood. Unlike wood, composite decking doesn’t need to be sealed with paint or another coating to protect it from water damage and algae. But you have options. Some of these decks are made with recycled plastics and therefore fall within environmental standards for LEED certification. komposittrall polen comes in many varieties including high-pressure plastic, fiberglass, cedar, teak, ipe (pronounced eep-ay), and more.

How Can I Maintain My New Decks?

Budget deck materials, such as composite decks and PVC (vinyl) decking are great for new construction. These cheaper options provide attractive styles with durable materials that hold up over time. Once your budget deck has been installed, it’s up to you to maintain it. Fortunately, there are plenty of low-cost maintenance options available to help ensure your new decks look great for years to come.

Pressure Washing vs. Cleaners

Because pressure washing and cleaners both remove grime, dirt, and mold from your deck, you may think using both methods together would be better than using either one alone. But because most cleaners are harsh chemicals with fumes that are potentially harmful to humans, pets, and plants, it’s best to not use them on your deck at all. If you want an easy-to-use method that cleans your deck safely while keeping it looking brand new, budget decking is what you need.

Will A Pressure Washer Remove Mold & Mildew?

Mold and mildew can spread like wildfire on composite decking. As mentioned above, pressure washing too close or using too much pressure can etch grooves into your deck. By not letting nature take its course, you could be encouraging mold to grow further into your board’s fibers. If you need to power wash your deck, use a specialized mold and mildew detergent instead of just water to reduce any unnecessary damage. Don’t want to get out off that ladder?

How Do I Use A Pressure Washer Safely?

Consider using a mild deck cleaner instead of a pressure washer. If you still want to use a pressure washer, here’s how to do it correctly

•  Make sure that your deck surface can handle high-pressure water and that you are at least 20 feet away from your deck.
•  Use a low-pressure setting for washing; if it’s not labeled as safe for wood surfaces, don’t risk it!
•  Always follow manufacturer instructions when using any product on your deck (even if they are different from these instructions).
•  Don’t use a pressure washer on your deck more than once every three years or so unless there is an extreme need for cleaning.
•  Avoid leaving standing water on your deck after washing; wipe off excess water with towels before it has time to evaporate and stain your deck boards.

When Should I Replace My Deck?

If you notice that your komposittrall byggmax is starting to warp or split, it may be time to consider replacing them. The best way to tell when you should replace decking depends on how often you use your deck and what type of wood it’s made from. Deck material typically lasts for about 10-15 years. If your deck only gets used once or twice a year, you may get 20 years out of it before any major issues start to crop up.

Conclusion

While pressure washing composite decking isn’t necessarily a bad idea, it shouldn’t be done frequently and if you do it, use minimal pressure and keep your power washer at least four feet away from your deck. To maintain your composite deck without damaging it, wash it every season with soap and water. If you need to clean stains off of it or de-modify an area, there are specialized cleaners available online.

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