A composite deck requires a certain amount of upkeep to maintain its appearance and functionality. If you neglect your deck, you could end up with cracks, curling edges, or trash that has blown onto your structure. The need to care for a composite deck can make it feel like more work than it needs to be. However, if you take the time, you can keep your deck in great shape. The following is a composite deck maintenance guide.
1. Clean the Deck
The first step in proper deck maintenance is to clean the deck. Cleaning your deck involves wiping down the material with a wet rag and using a leaf blower to blow off any debris stuck to your surface. You may also want to sweep up any extra debris that has accumulated near your structure. If you maintain a weekly cleaning routine during the warmer months, you will help prevent severe damage while keeping your home looking good.
2. Inspect the Structural Components
Before starting any significant repair work, you should walk along your deck and check for areas that need to be repaired. Look for anything that is cracked or rotting, as well as anything that is missing and needs to be replaced. You can also take this time to clean off any dirt or grime that may have accumulated in the cracks of your deck.
3. Look for Unsightly Spots
Weather and debris can cause unsightly spots on your deck, resulting in a dirty look. However, some work can help you eliminate the ugly marks and return your deck to a lovely appearance. First, you should wash the area with warm soapy water. Then you can clean it off using mineral spirits followed by denatured alcohol. It would help if you used coarser-grade sandpaper to rough the surface and remove any remaining streaks or spots.
4. Scrub Grease and Grime
Some grease and grime may be resistant to other cleaning solutions. If this is the case, you should scrub this area using baking soda and water. You can then use a rag to wipe up the mess. The baking soda will help absorb the oil and grime while still leaving your deck looking great.
5. Shine Your Deck
One final step you can perform to add a nice finishing touch is to polish your deck. This can be accomplished using a good-quality water-based wax or polish. There are many options, and they are all relatively simple to apply and use. Look through the decking material you have on hand; some may need different care than others.
6. Repair Sagging Areas
If you find any sagging spots on your deck, your first step should be to determine the source of the problem. This is because a wide variety of things could cause the area to sag and different things can be done to repair it. Familiar sources of problems include any loose nails or screws on the board, damage from a storm or bad weather, and even pests. If unsure about what has caused your sagging spot, you can always ask a professional for advice.
Conclusion
Satisfy your desire for clean and beautiful decks with the help of the tools and techniques outlined in this guide. When you take good care of a composite deck, it can look great for many years.